Train tracks and missing diamonds: Abenteuer im Südexpress

Is it worth your time?

If you like movies that feel like a dusty book pulled off a shelf you forgot you owned, then yes. It is perfect for a rainy afternoon. If you need explosions or modern pacing, stay away. You will be bored out of your mind within ten minutes. 🚂

Abenteuer im Südexpress is one of those films that just smells like velvet seats and cigarette smoke. The plot is simple enough: wealthy widow, fancy jewelry, moving train, crime occurs. You know the drill.

The waiter character is played with this weird, nervous intensity. He is a military vet, so he spends half the film looking like he is about to snap, even when he is just pouring tea. It is a bit much, honestly.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Abenteuer im Südexpress (1934) through its definitive frames.

There is this one moment in the dining car where the lighting shifts just a little bit too fast. It feels like the crew forgot to reset the lamps. It is funny if you pay attention, but it probably wasn't the goal. The actors keep their cool though, which is impressive given the cramped quarters.

I found myself comparing the atmosphere to The Young Lady and the Hooligan in terms of how it handles the social divide between the characters. The tension isn't just about the stolen goods. It is about who is allowed to be where on the train.

The train itself is the real star

The sets are tight. Maybe too tight. You can practically hear the creaking of the metal against the tracks in every shot. It makes the whole thing feel claustrophobic, in a good way.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Abenteuer im Südexpress (1934) through its definitive frames.

• The jewelry looks like it came from a cheap costume shop.
• The waiter’s mustache is a character all its own.
• There is a lot of staring out of windows. Like, a lot.

It’s not as frantic as Avalanche, which makes sense. One is about survival, the other is about manners. I prefer the manners, even if they are fake.

The ending feels a bit rushed, like the director just wanted to get off the train and go home. Still, it works. It doesn't overstay its welcome. It is just a nice, simple puzzle. Not every movie needs to be a masterpiece. Sometimes, a train ride with a mystery is plenty.

Watch it if you’re bored. Don’t watch it if you want to be challenged. Simple as that. 🎞️