Tag: Germany

THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE (2024)

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Directed By: Magnus Von Horn

Written By: Magnus Von Horn And Line Langebek 

Cinematography: Michal Dymek 

Editor: Agnieszka Glinska 

Cast: Vic Carmen Sonne, Trine Dryholm, Besir Zeciri, Joachim Fjerstrup, Tessa Hoder, Ava Knox Martin, Ari Alexander, Benedikte Hansen 

Copenhagen 1919: A young worker finds herself unemployed and pregnant. She meets Dagmar, who runs an underground adoption agency. A strong connection grows but her world shatters when she stumbles on the shocking truth behind her work.

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This is a film that is hard to talk about as it is definitely a film. You should watch before fighting out too much information about the film so that you can discover what the film offers.

So if you haven’t seen it already, please stop reading this review as to discuss it. You can’t help but spoil part of it, though I will say this is definitely an experience. 

A historical tale filmed in black and white in Germany. This is a film that you admire the acting in the filmmaking, but it’s not a film. You will watch repeatedly due to it subject matter as it is definitely a hard watch after a while. 

The film does start out bleak, but it also at time seems to offer mercy and forgiveness that you think that the main character might still have a chance at a good life or things turning around for her only for it to become bleak again and things turned tragic.

especially when you get to the third act of the film, which is where the audience will be tested as to whether they can finish the film and go further it’s not what is shown on screen, but what the characters do that will be the thing that will be upsetting for most of the audience. Especially where in the end it reveals that this is based on a true story.

as when you’re watching the film, you’re just wondering like what kind of sick mind came up with this storyline and did it have to be as harsh but then the truly scary part is that it’s not necessarily an extension of the writer directors imagination, but presenting the facts to a certain extent 

The film is breathtaking in a way in which it begins at first you think it’s gonna be a rags to riches story but it seems to be a rags with hopes of riches gets a taste of riches get thrown back into rags and at the worst moments sort of gets lifted up only to be thrown down and even lower than they were before.

It humanizes even the violent characters giving a twisted reasoning for their behaviors as the film tries to end with a little bit of hope that you wonder is it too late and have the characters gone too far for that 

One of the amazing aspects of this movie is the lead played by Vic Carmen Sonne. as an actress she is quite a chameleon because though her character is pretty here, she’s so run down and grab that she has common looks, but has a look that stands out and then as a film goer, you remember her from the controversial movie HOLIDAY in which she played pretty much a cat woman, a sugar, baby, who all these men desired and literally were harming each other over her and here she’s treated like a little nothing

If anything this film ends up being a survivor story the cinematography black and white film is so beautiful and timeless that even though it’s said in the past, it feels like something that could still happen today when people are at their lowest.

This is one of those films where you know you’re never going to watch it again necessarily more because of the subject matter because it’s a beautifully made film. The filmmaking is exceptional, but the subject matter is hard for anyone to take and watch, even if not showing graphically just the thought of it the horror, the horrors. 

No one can understand why the story needs to be told but also you wonder once you know the twist does it lose the power of it as if you go into this film blind and let it build you’re going along a journey where you don’t know where it’s going to lead, and then that choice happens And has its effect on subsequent views if you choose to, is the filmmaking still powerful now that you know the twist, does it stay as strong on a repeat view it or was this meant to be a one and done?

For all the praise that movies like the sixth sense for instance gets and it is a well-made movie, but it doesn’t hit as hard once you know the twist so would it be quite as remarkable or stand the test of time without it. As always, I guess that is up to the individual. As some will keep watching just for the innovations or the filmmaking or the performances or they’ll find something to come back for. No matter how grizzly it might eventually become or even just to study it to see the clues if any early on order to see how it affects them slowly going to where they know the film is going to go.

as always, I will warn this is definitely not a film for everyone. If you are highly sensitive I would definitely say skip this movie maybe read up about it instead as again the film isn’t glory or even a violent, but it is subtle and it’s horror that will haunt and disturb you. 

Grade: A 

SUGAR BABY (1985)

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Directed By: Percy Adlon 

Written By: Percy Adlon and Gwendolyn Von Ambasser

Cinematography: Johanna Heer

Editor: Jean-Claude Piroue

Cast: Marianne Sagebrecht, Elsi Gulp, Toni Berger, Manuela Denz, Will Spindler, Hans Stadlbauer, Meret Burger 

An asocial, obese German woman lives in a large city. Unfortunately, despite her kind and intelligent personality, she has had a lot of trouble making a connection with people, until she gets a crush on a handsome subway conductor.

Though this film sounds more modern about an older person taking care of a beautiful younger person financially and them doing the ssmenin return socially and physically. The same happens here but it is more romantic and emotional. Same title different meaning. Oh how the times have changed 

Throughout this film I had the feeling that I had seen this film before. As it constantly felt familiar though I I had only learned of this film in the previous weeks. Then by the end a particular scene jogged my memory. I didn’t see this film exactly, but a televison movie name BABYCAKES starring Ricki Lake and Craig Sheffer. Which o found out was a remake of this film.

Only with a happier and less ambiguous ending. As this original is definitely more sexual and a bit more twisted, but still sweet and more direct. 

As this film goes the artistic route in It’s stark lighting and camera work that seems to go a bit haywire at times in romantic scenes. I am shocked this film hasn’t become a cult film with a following. 

The lead played by Marianne Sagebrecht comes off as lonely and sad but also smart and determined. As we watch in her determined pursuit of her crush. Who seems like an epiphany to her one day.

Their romance takes up most of the film. As they find salvation in one another. Even though he is married. Most of the scenes are of their courtship and romance and some sex. The main difference between the movies other than country of origin is in the remake she has a best friend who is jealous and kind of pulls the rug out from under the romance.

The main attraction of this film is that the female is older and overweight. Making her seem all the more desperate and like her pursuit is more of a dream of fairytale. As the guy is considered think or in this original rather average but skinny. So when she manages to get him it is joyous and a wish come true. So it truly feels like the underdog finding victory. Only unlike most romances we stay way past the victory lap and watch as they deal with reality and the world. Remeber You have to defend your title at times. 

As I saw the remake first I have to side with it as far as presentation of the story and offering up a happy ending. Even though the original is more truthful, artistic and focused. 

Grade: C 

JEFF OF THE CINEFILES & UNFINISHED BUSINESS: HALL OF FAME – FILE #0075: THE FAN (*DER FAN) (1982)

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Written & Directed By: Eckhart Schmidt 

Cinematography: Bernd Heini

Editor: Patricia Rommel and Raoul Sternberg 

Cast: Desiree Nosbusch, Bodo Staiger, Simone Brahmann, Jonas Vischer, Helga Tolle, Klaus Munster, Ian Moorse, Wilfried Blasberg 

The hero-worship that Simone has for a pop singer is built to a crescendo until she passes out when she finally sees him up-close in a crowd of fans pushing him for autographs. She is later shocked when he lets her know that he does not love her. In an instant, she is caught “in a trance” and feels a murderous urge that is bigger than the both of them.

This review is spoiler-heavy. it’s advisable to watch the film first as this is more a discussion than a review.

This is a film one has waited quite some time to find and finally watch. It’s a film that it heard about over the years and looked forward to then saw a very, simply not as some cinematic lost Grail.

It’s a nice switch from the usual fan films where it’s usually a male stalking a female or stalking another male making it more homoerotic for the ladder, but in the former and obsession that they try to turn erotic or romantic.

A story that works like a mixtape has a different cut or see as time goes by. It’s also set at a time place and culture around a music scene that was modern at the time and very specific. 

This film deals with the same only from a female fan stalking a male rockstar. The girl is a teenager, and by far is the more gruesome of any star obsession film, as this is more a psychological drama rather than an action thriller.  

It can also be seen at first as a coming of age story that Can be seen as a rite of passage a crush on a superstar that gets to be an obsession as a fan for a teenage girl.

It also dives more into the psychology of the obsession as since it’s an underage girl it is mostly thought that it’s puberty and emotions taking over but soon realizes that it’s nothing more than a crush and that it should be rather harmless this film and the character takes it more to an extreme.

The film shows the depth of fandom, but also obsession. Believing that she is the only one who knows and understands him and that all the others are just there more for the money and Fame.

The film is more psychological than physical love it or hate it. It’s a conversation starter. 

The main character doesn’t speak much, except in her letters to the star and in monologues. Desiree Nosbusch Gives an unforgettable performance as Simone.

The audience witnesses how unstable she is to a degree in her day-to-day life as her obsession takes over all of her thoughts and actions and she cares little about anything else.

The audience suspects where it will mostly go or what will happen as the film takes its time with the situation, especially once she finally gets to meet him.

We watch as she runs away into Wonderland and finds a monster of sorts and sheep’s clothing that she believes to be her prince.

We watch as she somehow Wills her fantasy to come true with interest, and then practically the unraveling of what she sees as a romance, and what he sees as a hook-up.

Which is like an artistic love scene presenting themselves to one another before it seems to take a turn, and after he gets what he wants and is ready to throw her away or dispose of her. It is in close-up as we are now in her fantasy or viewing it through that lens once the camera pulls back after we are brought into reality just as she is.

We know something will happen, but can’t predict how severe, especially without the innocent and clean or at least non-exploit of the movie has been up to this point. It’s had its rough edges, but it’s practically been more passive, which makes it all the more upsetting.

This is not the type of film where you are waiting for a demise or where the film gets you excited or expecting any sort of violence. The film seems a bit off at first, then gets disturbing and gruesome.

The film even early on makes a point of presenting Hand-holding as a sign of who cares and who doesn’t.

Nothing that happens seems to be premeditated. Some could argue. The actions are to happen in the heat of the moment or being so young and emotionally out of control. 

It seems to go way too far though we might understand her initial act, becomes a mix of saving herself, but also still having a sick obsession and sickness with this rockstar.

The film is not as violent or as expected, though it might be the cut I viewed.

There is only one part that is not that believable as it is too clean and too fast, which is devouring him a bit cannibalizing him or at least pieces of him or at least the essence of him as a goodbye or farewell. That’s where it goes overboard but smart and getting away with fashion. Even though that is probably one of the more memorable parts of the film.

She doesn’t seem to learn her lesson as she is still delusional by the end and blocking out her act and now might be delivering his child who she believes will be reborn.

The film also has long drawn shots, but little dialogue, a synth-pop score that gets into your head. that goes well with the action and ending as once you step away from this film it is certainly one that you won’t forget easily.

The film does seem to have 3 acts 

Act 1 – Introduction/desire 

Act 2 – meet & greet romance 

Act 3 – the aftermath 

Grade: B

UNDINE (2020)

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Written & Directed By: Christian Petzold
Cinematography: Hans Fromm 
Editor: Bettina Bohler

Cast: Paula Beer, Franz Rogowski, Maryam Zaree, Jacob Matschenz, Anne Ratte-Polle, Gloria Andres De Oliveira 

Undine works as a historian lecturing on Berlin’s urban development. But when the man she loves leaves her, the ancient myth catches up with her. Undine has to kill the man who betrays her and return to the water.

Writer/Director Christian Pertzold, Always seems to bring nostalgia and powerful epic love stories into the modern age. 

The film feels like a short story compared to his other films that felt like full novels even if the same length. This just doesn’t feel as strong or as Rich. Making it feel somewhat lightweight, not as daring or demanding. Which can be forgiven. As not every movie needs to be a fraught tragedy. 

As this like most of his films is expressive, vivid, and powerful. Usually unforgettable with a romance that you might aspire to have and dream of despite their tragedy. To love is to gamble and lose big at times. Even when getting what you want it hurts to a certain degree and you lose or have to sacrifice a bit to be affected in the end.

Amazed by what you went through and proud of it. As an expression of passion in all ways. Your own epic story that is universal. Only you can truly understand. As you have your own point of view and are telling this particular tale as a memoir. That is what went through my brain while watching this film.

This film feels like a more modern fairy tale, but the emotions are deep. As it is detailed and textured as one without the lore though. The tragedy is that the tale feels like it ends too soon. Never knowing what you have until over and the characters obsessing over it. Raising it to a level of legend.

Think about how you feel when you break up with someone and feel you will never get over them. Then you meet someone new and realize how bad the other relationship really was. As you never reached the same happiness or highs as is the new one

This film Feels too short. Yet it doesn’t disappoint as it has the same strength and emotions affecting two lives immeasurably but seems to have the substance of a shorter story. That here gets by more on emotions. A brief romance that packs a full love story rather than one that takes place over a longer time period. 

That has an intensity where you wonder if given more time together. Would it have flamed out? Had more stories to tell that reinforced and made this love story as rich as Uncle Scrooge’s vault from DUCKTALES or with time made to realize it was a footnote and more a blueprint for future relationships to revolve around and know what you want and how you want to feel.

It Seems after romantic epics such as PHOENIX and COLD WAR. That Writer-Director Christian Petzold has set his sights on a smaller story that while not having as much of an expanse. its depths are just as strong

Grade: B

NOTHING BAD CAN HAPPEN (2013)

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Written & Directed By: Katrin Gebbe
Cinematography: Moritz Schultbieb
Editor: Heike Gnida 

Cast: Julius Feldmeier, Sascha Alexander Gersak, Annika Kuhl, Gro Swantje Kohljof, Daniel Michael

The young Tore seeks in Hamburg a new life among the religious group called The Jesus Freaks. When he by accident meets a family and helps them to repair their car, he believes that a heavenly wonder has helped him. He starts a friendship with the father of the family, Benno. Soon he moves in with them at their garden plot, not knowing what cruelty is there to come. True to his religious belief he stays with them although the increasing violence by Benno is torturing him. Tore is fighting the torment with his own weapons. So a dangerous struggle between libidinous actions and altruism begins. Inspired by true events.

This is a film that took me by surprise. I only heard about it recently.

This is a horror tale that sneaks up on you in the worst way, in plain sight. As it seems like a drama at first. As it isn’t a horror film Filled with slashers or any supernatural evil.

It all boils down to being a movie about faith about a character who has an unwavering faith and no matter how bad things get beloved he is being tested for a higher purpose. He encounters a man who is a sociopath and just so filled with hate and evil that he makes it his mission to try and get him to stop believing and take out His anger on him whenever frustrated.

Even if he hadn’t encountered this teenager the sociopath would bring those around him down and finding these victims might have saved others from his terror.

The Second half of this movie is brutal and upsetting. So that once the film is over you feel dirty or somehow stained from the experience.

The teenage character believes he has to accept these punishments. To save others. So they are safe but by witnessing it hopefully, they will finally be brave and strong enough to run away. As the family seems to stay with him out of survivor’s syndrome. Some prove to be just as evil as accomplices who just need a bit of a push or to be led into that behavior. The teen sees the main character as a challenge eventually instead of being afraid and realizing how disturbed this guy is.

It also doesn’t help that the sociopath is obviously jealous of the teen in a few ways. Especially when it comes to his teenage daughter. 

He sells to prove him wrong. As the teen stays true to his faith and religious convictions that ultimately he seems he can never defeat. Even as he seems hell-bent on trying to punish him for his beliefs. Truly showing strength of conviction. Leading the movie to some dark and disturbing places.

What is upsetting about this film is that it is supposedly based on a true story and also it’s a. Martyr tale that is upsetting as there is no comeuppance. So no sense of justice and no emotional or tension release. 

What is scary is the terror through the movie is so matter of fact. That sets the tone. As there is nothing necessarily heightened. It is all in plain sight. Little by little, we can tell something isn’t right. It stays believable

The wife tries to say that nothing has been right since the teen got there. Though things seemed already a bit off. The addition of him only adds an adversary for him to lord over and make a slave maybe just for his faith or showing him up in a brief random meeting in the begging getting his car to work. 

Though at times the cruelty comes out of nowhere like selling him off, if only for extra income. It infuriates the audience when he has a chance to escape but see’s all of this as his mission. 

It’s filmed more like a docudrama, though it can feel like torture porn. To get there seems to be a point to it all. 

The acting is spot on and believable. No performance rings false. 

There is some hope at the end but only born out of tragedy. As all around are made into an accessory. Very disturbing. This plays like a Michael Haneke Film that tries to mix with a Lars von Trier movie, but those films can come off as natural. This seems cruel to be cruel. Sadistic and just when you think there will be somebody to save him or some hope. It shows how cruel that world and environment are.

Grade: B

BLOOD RED SKY (2021)

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Directed By: Peter Thorwarth  Written By: Peter Thorwarth & Stefan Holtz  Cinematography: Yoshi Heimrath  Editor: Knut Hake 

Cast: Peri Baumeister, Dominic Purcell, Carl Koch, Alexander Scheer, Kai Ivo Baulitz, Kai Setti, Roland Moller, Gordon Brown 

A woman with a mysterious illness is forced into action when a group of terrorists attempts to hijack a transatlantic overnight flight.

This film becomes entertaining throughout because it starts with what could have been a ridiculous yet simple plot of a vampire versus terrorists and keeps twisting the tale so that there are new challenges to keep you interested. Luckily the film Stays pretty dark and not cookie-cutter or some kind of superhero flick.

If anything it refreshingly uses vampire lore and manages to give us something unexpected with it.

The film is filled with action and horror. While it feels a bit long. You are never quite bored of anything. It shocks with taking out a character you expected to last longer and be the biggest foe. Instead the true villain is the live wire of the terrorists. He kind of displays his worst behavior early on before being neutered a bit but then coming back strong.

This story could have easily been a supernatural DIE HARD and instead actually comes through with an identity of its own. Though with just as much action and complications. Though this film is definitely more gory with less humor along the way. 

Smart in a Way as the film uses perceived prejudice to its advantage in certain situations and though the terrorists are bad one character proves to be the evilest as he is the catalyst later for all the horribleness that happens to the passengers. 

The film does offer a heroic character in a Muslim Passenger who always at least tries to do the right and most moral thing.

While at times it feels ridiculous the film does manage to keep you invested. 

In The end it does emphasize a mother’s love for her child. While not making the vampire immortal or barely have any weaknesses. 

GRADE: C+

SYSTEM CRASHER (2019)

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Written & Directed By: Nora Fingscheidt
Cinematography: Yunus Roy Imer
Editor: Stephan Bechinger & Julia Kovalenko

Cast: Helena Zengel, Albrecht Schuch, Gabriela Maria Schmeide, Lisa Hagmeister, Melanie Straub, Maryam Zaree 

She is small but dangerous. Wherever Benni ends up, she is immediately expelled. The wild 9-year-old girl has already become what child protection services call a “system crasher”. And she is certainly not looking to change her ways. Because Benni has one single goal: to be back at home with her mommy. But Bianca is scared of her own daughter. Mrs. Bafané from child protection services is trying her best to find a permanent placement for Benni. She hires the anger management trainer Micha as Benni’s school escort and suddenly there is a seed of hope. Will Micha be able to succeed where all others despaired?

At first, wasn’t sure what to expect from this film. Seems basic at first watching a girl go through the Foster care system, but she is particularly violent and disruptive.

The film soon starts to show its hand with a character new to the case and situation. Who is tough yet caring but like the main character can’t seem to save her from herself. Even as he continuously tries and makes progress. 

When it comes to this film what is so heartbreaking is that every time it looks like the young female main character will be saved. Circumstances end up making the situation worse. 

Where it happens so many times it could almost be a running joke. Though each time it is presented it seems to be at a different level of desperation and rising emotional unraveling.

She is the major problem most times in all of these situations, but she is just a child, but more than A handful and violent who can’t seemingly calm down or manage her emotions. She is more a product of her environment and where she has been pushed by the adults in her life. 

We see what maybe inspires her. In her mother’s overwhelming false promises and keeps on taking in the obviously wrong men. Who seems more important to her than her kids.

This movie takes you on a journey with her, an emotionally raw one by the end you feel worn out and exhausted.

The only Person she bonds with is her Walker who had an anger problem himself and after some success, she eventually becomes too much for him a grown man. Though we learn more about her through their time together. He is constantly trying to protect her though he isn’t that conventional himself 

Throughout the film, it is a wild ride. As always there seems to be hope and some peace. Through a parent or savior, something goes wrong, usually through the behavior of the child. That she ends up living up to the title of the movie as her file. Where despite the many phases and programs for different types of children meant to save her. She fails through them all and is too young for others even the rock bottom last resort she seems too strong for.

Even though she can be innocent and charming. Like with her school walker’s wife. Soon enough she presents her scary angry side. This ends up leading to one of the more nail-biting scenes of the soon 

The film presents an ending that is ambiguous but seems like she will never stop or learn her lesson. As what starts out as a tantrum shows she kind of takes joy in causing trouble.

Grade: A-

IN JULY (2000)

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Written & Directed By: Faith Akin 
Cinematography By: Pierre Aim 
Editor: Andrew Bird 

Cast: Mortiz Bleibtreu, Christiane Paul, Branka Katic, Idil Uner, Mehmet Kurtulus, Jochen Nickel, Briol Unel, Sandra Borgmann

Daniel is a young teacher, who in contrast to everyone else plans to stay in Hamburg for the summer. Juli, a girl at the flea-market, wants to get known to Daniel and manages to sell him a Mayan ring with a sun on it, foretelling him that he will meet a girl with a sun. One day later Daniel is already on his way across Europe. It seems the prophecy came true somehow.

A romantic fantasy that is whimsical and much lighter then the directors later films.

It begins with a bit of misdirection as a framing device.

Director Faith akin has kept his heart with characters like these throughout his films. Hopeless romantics to a degree and the hardships of reality they must face. He has developed more of a style since this film to really explain and develop his ideas. His next two films after this one HEAD-ON (one of my favorite films of all time) and EDGE OF HEAVEN are more dark and dramatic before returning to his kind of lightweight film with SOUL KITCHEN

This film runs on the premise of many screwball romantic comedies with a mix of spiritualism, fortune and fate. Only here not played for laughs as much. It stays fun while being a bit dramatic and serious but keeps ant darkness to itself and stays in the shadows. The film stays in it’s perimeters. Where it and we know where it’s going, but with wonder how it will get there. Only knowing it will be colorful and different. As obstacles and other amounts are thrown in the way it seems like fare and the sense of free will, will prevail. The film stars Mortiz Bleibtreu who seems to be a regular when it comes to German cinema happily the films he tends to be in that I see are good and noteworthy (RUN LOLA RUN, DAS EXPERIMENT) he returns to faith akin in the film SOUL KITCHEN.

A film that is as light and free spirited as it’s female characters. In fact the film uses a similar photo montage from run Lola run. The film feels in spirit more like the female lead to cover exposition

At first the film seems to be a set up of miscommunication and lost chances then it seems like a modern foreign Preston Sturges film without the brilliant dialogue by making it seem like good and bad in the world and characters around them are willing to help shape their future and throw obstacles at them to guarantee the romance springing the characters. Mostly him into action as she plays more the grinning car who watches as she has feelings for him, but has pointed him far from the target. Watching how far he is willing to go for love and her at certain points. While he begins realizing slowly his own deeper feelings for her. Which he into thinks is camaraderie and friendship.

At least not all the characters they cross are good hearted by somehow always mean well. The film feels at times like it wants to be part of magical realism.

Think is this as a more fun and responsible THE SURE THING.

When Daniel and Juli are traveling through Romania, only photos are shown instead of real film footage. The reason for that is the Romanian government didn’t give permission to film in their country, so they had to take photos instead.

It’s like the universe is forcing him into a romance for his own good. He is the only person who doesn’t realize it as he chases his ideal his perfect is by his side and has been throughout this journey. constantly blind to the obvious around him.

A little rough around the edges but you can tell he is coming into his own. Nice to see such a film that is a bit different in Presentation. Yet traditional in it’s heart. That leaves you warm and charmed.

In fact love and it’s boundaries has usually been at the heart of his work. It is rare that he ventures into romance fully and lightly. This is the latest of his films that I have seen even though it is his first one. I can say not as an insult mind you. It is one of his lesser films so far, but still good and a great experience.

Though each film plays more or less magical and spiritual. This film seems more to be under the influence of it’s time. Though worldly seems more of a product of 90’s cinema. As it came at the end of that era and at the beginning of a new generation of era in cinema.

Originally, Daniel and Juli were supposed to sing The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love”, but the rights were too expensive. When the music supervisor was able to secure the rights for “Blue Moon” instead, the script was changed at the last minute to include a conversation on oldies.

All the female characters are gorgeous. So that you can see when his character is so distracted and conflicted. While each woman he meets takes him in a new and different journey as they all have their charms and strengths yet reasons why they are not meant for one another. But yet when their time together ends it leaves him With little direction once away from them. Also it shows his feelings are not about looks alone as all of the females are good looking so there is a deeper connection with his intended.

The moment when Daniel sees Melek for the first time, the walking scene is shot reverse for Melek and played backwards to make a more charming introduction.

SPOILER

Though towards the end it is confusing that once he meets the object of his affection. They seem happy and she seems romantic towards him. Yet disappeared to find out he is in love and then as things become full circle seems more of a convenience for a happy ending then natural

SPOILER END

A frolicking adventure and fun ride. Definitely a crowd pleaser. It’s so lighthearted it’s hard to find something to dislike or completely hate

Though this feels like it loses more meaning at heart and more to say then SOUL KITCHEN which seems more fascinated with the directors interest and fascinations as well as distracted with the soundtrack. More fun than challenging or passionate.

Grade: B+

WETLANDS(2014)

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wetlands

Directed By: David Wnendt
Written By: Claus Faulkenberg & David Wnendt, Sabine Pochhammer
Based on the Book By: Charlotte Roche
Cinematography By: Jakub Bejnarowicz
Editor: Andreas Wodraschke 


Cast: Carla Juni, Christoph Letkowski, Marlen Kruse, Meret Becker, Axel Milberg, Peri Baumeister

The eccentric 18 year-old Helen narrates the story of her life, including stories about her preferred sexual practices that involve vegetables, her attitude towards hygiene, drugs, her best friend Corinna and her challenging childhood. The frame story takes place in a hospital where she is treated because of an anal fissure. During her stay she plans to reunite her divorced parents and falls in love with the male nurse Robin.

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