Movie Review: Europa

3 min readJul 20, 2024

“The world is a labyrinth, and we are all lost in it.” — Europa

My Thoughts on Europa

Hey everyone! I recently watched a fascinating movie called Europa. This film takes us back to the end of World War II and tells the story of a conductor caught up in a dangerous mission to install an explosive device. What drives him, you ask? It’s his wife, Katarina, who has a surprising twist — she’s a werewolf.

Poster of the movie Europa by Lars von Trier, featuring a black and white image of a woman overlaid with a clock, and a silhouette of a man running. The title ‘Europa’ is prominently displayed in bold red letters. — Europa 1991 film poster, IMDb

A Casual Chat About the Movie

I was talking with a friend about Europa, and our conversation went something like this:

Friend: What’s that movie Europa about? I forgot.
Me: It’s about a conductor installing an explosive device at the end of WW2, influenced by his wife.
Friend: Ah yes, now I remember.
Me: His wife Katarina was a werewolf.
Friend: Interesting.

This chat made me realize how intriguing and unique the movie’s plot is, blending historical drama with supernatural elements.

The Director’s Influence

One thing to note is that the director of Europa, Lars von Trier, is known for his support of extreme nationalism. This background can be felt in the movie, which, in my opinion, doesn’t delve deep into meaningful themes but rather stays more on the surface, focusing on the spectacle.

Black and white scene from the movie Europa, showing a group of elderly people standing in a dark, snow-covered area. In the background, a man in a coat is holding a round object, looking towards the camera — Scene from Lars von Trier’s *Europa* (1991), IMDb

Growing Interest in WWII and German-related Content in Korea

It’s also interesting to note that there’s a growing interest in Korea regarding World War II and German-related content. Movies like Europa attract attention because they provide a glimpse into historical events from a different perspective, blending them with unique storylines. This interest isn’t just limited to history enthusiasts; it’s spreading among general audiences who appreciate complex narratives and historical dramas.

As a Korean, I find this trend particularly fascinating. The historical connections and the impact of World War II on the global stage resonate deeply with many people here. German-related films offer a different lens through which we can explore and understand the complexities of that era. It’s a chance to see beyond the familiar narratives and delve into stories that might not be as well-known, but are equally significant.

Black and white close-up scene from the movie Europa, showing a man wearing glasses and a hat speaking on a telephone, with a woman’s face overlaid in the background, also on the phone — Intense phone call scene from Lars von Trier’s *Europa* (1991), IMDb

Lars von Trier Retrospective at CGV

Recently, CGV, one of Korea’s leading cinema chains, held a retrospective of Lars von Trier’s work. This two-week event started on July 10, 2023, and showcased many of Von Trier’s notable films, allowing audiences to experience his unique cinematic style and provocative storytelling.

My Final Thoughts

Europa offers an engaging and unique storyline, especially if you’re into historical settings mixed with supernatural twists. However, knowing the director’s political leanings might affect how you perceive the film. It’s definitely an interesting watch, but don’t expect profound commentary — it’s more of a thrilling ride.

If you’ve seen Europa, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you agree with my take, or did you find deeper meanings that I missed? Let’s discuss!