The American Soldier (3½ Stars)

This is a gritty story filmed in the style of 1930's American gangster films, but set in Germany. Being filmed in b/w adds to the atmosphere. The soldier in the title is a German who emigrated to America and fought in the Vietnam war. After his discharge he took up a career as a professional hit man. He returns to Germany when he's hired for a series of kills in his home town of Munich. Unknown to him the ones who have hired him are police detectives.

This film will certainly strike a chord with fans of film noir. I found it too slow-paced, and some of the supporting characters, such as the killer's brother Kurt, are too grotesque.