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Germany v. Scientology: Suck it, Cruise!
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| RJT |
http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Mov...reut/index.html
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BERLIN, Germany (Reuters) -- Germany has barred the makers of a movie about a plot to kill Adolf Hitler from filming at German military sites because its star Tom Cruise is a Scientologist, the Defense Ministry said on Monday.
Cruise, also one of the film's producers, is a member of the Church of Scientology which the German government does not recognize as a church. Berlin says it masquerades as a religion to make money, a charge Scientology leaders reject.
The decision drew a sharp response from Cruise's film producing partner, Paula Wagner, chief executive of United Artists Entertainment, who said Cruise's "personal beliefs have absolutely no bearing on the movie's plot, themes or content."
The U.S. actor will portray Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, leader of the unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the Nazi dictator in July 1944 with a bomb hidden in a briefcase.
Defense Ministry spokesman Harald Kammerbauer said the film makers "will not be allowed to film at German military sites if Count Stauffenberg is played by Tom Cruise, who has publicly professed to being a member of the Scientology cult."
"In general, the Bundeswehr (German military) has a special interest in the serious and authentic portrayal of the events of July 20, 1944 and Stauffenberg's person," Kammerbauer said.
Stauffenberg had been deeply opposed to the Nazis' treatment of the Jews and planted a briefcase bomb under a table near Hitler in his "Wolf's Lair" headquarters on July 20, 1944. The bomb went off but only wounded the Fuehrer.
The film, slated for a 2008 release, will be directed by Bryan Singer and co-star Kenneth Branagh. It is called "Valkyrie" after Operation Valkyrie, the plot's codename.
In a statement, Wagner said von Stauffenberg is characterized as a "heroic and principled figure."
"We believe it (the film) will go a long way toward reminding the world that even within the ranks of the German military, there was real resistance to the Nazi regime," she said.
The main site of interest would be the "Bendlerblock" memorial inside the Defense Ministry complex in Berlin, where Stauffenberg and his co-conspirators hatched the plot and where he and his closest comrades were executed when it failed.
Kammerbauer said the ministry had not yet received official filming requests from the producers of "Valkyrie."
While Wagner did not cite requests for specific locations, she did add: "We believe Germany is the only place we can truly do the story justice." |
I think it's pretty great that a country is finally saying "Hey, you know what? We don't buy it, what you're doing (preying on the weak minded) is wrong, and we don't want you."
I do, however, also realize that having that opinion in itself is pretty hypocritical, considering my constant assertion that people be allowed to believe what they want - but honestly, is there anyone left around here who doesn't think Scientology is a total scam?
:conf:
Germany gets my "Tip of the Hat" for today :) |
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| Marc Summers |
| I bet they still love hitler |
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| Sunsnail |
| Wow that is completely ed up. |
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| mezzir |
FUFCK YEAH GERMANY
seriously, scientology is a very very successful cult. i don't believe its anything more, its essentially a 'religious' pyramid scheme and they conduct business like not actual business ever could (however, religions get a little more wiggle room when it comes to the law it seems) |
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| trewqy |
that is wrong..in my point of view.
All religions are ed up..why should scientolgy be put down just because its new?
I bet jesus was treated badly when he started out with christianity..:( |
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| RJT |
| quote: | Originally posted by Sunsnail
Wow that is completely ed up. |
Yeah - I understand that opinion for sure, and honestly, I do feel pretty weak saying that I think it's great any nation would make such a claim against individuals faith.
The only saving grace for me is how utterly fraudulent Scientology is.
Meh - there's so much evil in the world  |
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| RJT |
| quote: | Originally posted by trewqy
All religions are ed up..why should scientolgy be put down just because its new?
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It isn't - it's put down because it's patently false, and in reality should be called a "marketing scheme," and not a "religion." |
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| Marc Summers |
| quote: | Originally posted by trewqy
I bet jesus was treated badly when he started out with christianity..:( |
His apostles started christianity :o |
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| trewqy |
if somebody wants to get rich QUICK.. build a church or a mosque.
U'll be a millionaire..in a couple of years.
If thats not a marketing scheme..i dont know what is. |
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| XaNaX |
Tom Cruise is a ing idiot and has completely lost his mind.
| quote: |
Cruise, also one of the film's producers, is a member of the Church of Scientology which the German government does not recognize as a church. Berlin says it masquerades as a religion to make money |
lol duh the funny thing is that all its members haven't figured this out yet |
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| Taranis |
Woot Germans.
I mean I can understand why people are calling doubt standard on this, but scientology is a total joke. I mean at least most other religions at least maintain an appearance of credibility, scientology is plain bull through and through. |
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