Transfer (I) (2010) User Reviews

A worthy effort spoiled by cold resolution

[escalation746 · 7/10 · 25 August 2012]

Transfer (2010, Germany) is destined to be one of those obscurities that shows up in the discount DVD pile... assuming they have DVDs in the future. The premise is simple: a rich old German couple have their minds transferred into gorgeous young black bodies so they can continue their life and love. The wrinkle is that the original occupants are not purged, but awaken each night for four hours to live their own lives in the midst of their German host lives. Is this a prison or an opportunity?

Excellent acting (and cool futuristic architecture - go Berlin!) is what carries this film. We truly believe the older couple are deeply in love, can understand their decisions, and their misgivings. As we get to know the couple from Africa (Sarah from Ethiopia, Apolain from Mali) we understand their motivations and frustrations. The clever aspect is having four characters play out their drama in only two bodies.

Unfortunately the film is too slow for the content. There are too many scenes that do little to advance the narrative. The resolution seems obvious and rather perfunctory. And it has a cold brutality that doesn't fit with the warm vibes the four principal actors have conjured. (Though Jeanette Hain is icy blue and otherworldly.)

I found the soundtrack rather repetitive and sometimes inappropriate. I kept getting the feeling Transfer was trying too hard to be Gattaca (right down to the unnecessary music recital scene). There are also problems with the ADR that makes me wonder if dialogue wasn't changed in post.

Though Transfer is an intelligent film in a world of rubbish SF, it could have been so much more. I will generously give it a 7, since such efforts should be encouraged.

Not everything is black and white

[Quebec_Dragon · 6/10 · 10 June 2012]

This is a low-budget German movie with English subtitles. It was dubbed in French but not in English for some reason. In an undisclosed future time, very rich old people can transfer their minds to new healthy bodies. It turns out that the best candidates are black people. It's apparently a voluntary process since the company gives money to the poor black volunteers, which will be sent to their families. Also, the bodies get back their original minds for 4 hours each night. We follow an old white couple, very much in love, going through this process. At first we see their adaption to their new younger black bodies, including rich white society, with interludes as their bodies regain their own minds at night. The focus shifts more on the younger "minds" as it goes along.

This is not a flashy movie with special effects by any means. This world resembles very much our own except the slightly more futuristic company. Even the transfer process is extremely minimalistic and not really shown. It's not a comedy, and it keeps a serious tone throughout despite opportunities for silly mischief when the old people get "young". It's more of an intimate social drama designed to make you think. It tackles racism, capitalism, medical ethics and what a soul is, but in mostly subtle ways. I thought the acting was fine (with the exception of the blond guy at night), but not outstanding. The main black actor was probably the stand-out because of his charismatic presence. I found the story interesting, I didn't know what was going to happen, but it didn't really grab me emotionally as melodrama was tightly restrained. To be honest, the movie felt a bit cold and definitely not like a typical American movie. I almost forgot to mention the original classical music soundtrack that was surprisingly good and sometimes added much-needed emotion. I liked watching Transfer, it's worth watching if you're into slow-placed intellectual sci-fi (with no effects), but I would not buy it. On my DVD, there were no special features.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10 (good)

Transfer — A German sci-fi about eternal life, romance, identity, and human rights

[AvidClimber · 8/10 · 15 December 2012]

Transfer is a slow movie that will gently pick you up and make you face reality. It's all about life eternal, what we humans are ready to do, what can technology bring us, to what extent should we embrace it, and how much control do we have over our future.

The technology itself is totally bogus, but that is extremely easy to ignore. Once the situation is set, conflicts arise. You never know exactly where you're going to end up, and the screen writer make sure you get what you need to keep your eye riveted to the show.

The disappointments are few. A bit slow, not a lot of action, and subtitled. That's about it.

See if if you're ready for an unconventional romance set in a sterilized view of the future.

Good Reviews

[yo-520-863674 · 5 December 2012]

i saw this move reading from other peoples reviews, and it really helps. I was reading the review to this movie and watched it straight away. Many people give good reviews about this movie. The makers of the movie have outdone themselves with this masterpiece, an excellent way of portraying racism in a different futuristic time of era. A brilliant sci-fi movie, and i recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys watching sci-fi movies that have cleaver smart plots,rather than stupid outrageous kwerkeyness, if you know what i mean. things you notice are fake As. You know watch movies like ALIEN ORIGINS, and Piranahconda if you know what i mean. But i really don't recommend you watch them. they really are stupidly stupid. But transfer is just a great movie, its hard not to spoil it. So i wont, just have to watch it for yourself

Germany can do SciFi too

[Horst_In_Translation · 6/10 · 14 February 2017]

"Transfer" is a German movie from 2010, so this one is already 7 years old now. It was directed by Damir Lukacevic and he is also one of the writers who worked on this movie. The most known names from the cast of this 90-minute film are probably Rehberg, Andree, Kurtulus and Hain. This is the story of an old married couple with the wife becoming terminally ill. Luckily for them, they find out about the opportunity of transferring one's soul into the bodies of other human beings and they agree to take that path because it is the only option for them to stay together. The two minds are transferred into the young and healthy bodies of two African refugees which somehow makes this film also more relevant in the face of the current political situation here in Germany. But the original souls of the refugees do not only get financial security for their families in exchange, they also get 4 hours each day during which they are again allowed to control their bodies.

As a consequence of this, the protagonists start an inner battle with themselves at times. There are several important subjects handled in here aside from the question of moral. These would be suicide/murder, pregnancy, rich vs. poor, cultural differences, sex and love of course as well. This is definitely a very stylized film and the physical appearances of Hain's and Kurtulus' characters are the perfect example. but this should not mean that this film does not have any good story-telling or depth. Yes it can be said that not all of the drama and conflict is working as well as the filmmakers intended it to, but I still found it a really relevant and interesting watch. It is definitely underseen and my praise for this film is probably even more impressive as I am generally not too big on the Sci-Fi genre at all, especially when it comes to German films from this genre. I have seen quite a few and the vast majority wasn't any good at all. This is the exception that confirms the rule. Thumbs up and I recommend checking it out. Not a perfect film by any means, but good characters and a good story make it worth seeing and if you like the genre more than I do, you may actually end up really loving it. Don't miss out.

SciFi With Feeling

[DigitalNemesis · 9/10 · 7 October 2010]

This movie played at the Vancouver International Film Festival and was a welcome gem to the many films submitted. There are always a few movies that get some attention at these festivals but Transfer definitely stands out as a true representation of a science fiction film that makes you think. This picture deals with the issue of people using clones / avatars / humanoids as a product in a capitalistic world where everything can be bought in the near future. Also the director tackles the idea that surrounds buying people that are another race and how the lives they left behind deal with the new black neighbours walking in their clothes at the country club every day. The characters in this movie are excellently portrayed and have a lot of feeling put into their actions around the situation of talking over a new host, and get complicated quickly. Damir talked about his film after the screening and wants people to think about the idea of the soul being tied to the physical body. Also examined the concept of being able to purchase every thing including new bodies after ours expire. This film is a must for SciFi enthusiasts. It is a polished independent picture that was made with minimal money feels like it has the heart of Gattaca and something written by Philip K. Dick.

must-see

[kplessers · 10/10 · 17 April 2011]

Saw this movie at the bifff (Brussels International Fantastic Film festival). This is truly an exceptional movie and a must see for anyone who likes sci-fi with brains. It is about an old couple that joins a program to transfer their brain to the young body of some third world people. It is about racism, how money makes the world turn and imagines a modern version of slavery. You get to see everyone's point of view : the rich German couple, the people that are around them, as well as the view from the people selling their body for money for their family The actors do a very good job in their dual role (before and after the transfer)

I really loved the soundtrack, hope that it will be on sale someday.

Modern slavery

[Teuton1978 · 1/10 · 5 August 2012]

***This one has Spoilers*** Watched this movie and i am not sure what to make of it... In short, Poor black people are offered the chance to let old rich white people take over their bodies by means of transferring the minds of the white folks. The people involved, black and white, are given a contract and if agreed mind transfer takes place voluntary. The minds of the black people is allowed the take over for 4 hours at night. The hosts fall in love to the very dislike of the white peoples minds. Herrmann, the old white guy, describes this as. "While we sleep, Herrmann and Anna, those Ni**ers f*ck with each other..." So Sarah, the host woman, gets pregnant. Now this is also disliked by Apolain, host body to Hermann's mind.

Here already is the first question for me. If this should become reality, shouldn't it be made sure that racism isn't an issue? Now Anna/Sarah stops taking her medication so Sarah can speak during the day with Herrmann, which they then stop taking altogether later in the movie.

The hosts, Apolain and Sarah, forge a plan to escape all this. Also if the medication isn't taken the host mind seems to prevail during the day.

The movie has taken a turn for the ridiculous and all it seems to amount to and serves is, an exercise in intellectual masturbation.

The movie to me portrays just another form and new way of slavery. After all, in this movie, poor humans from third world countries are exploited so that white rich people may extend their lives. It utterly escapes me at which point this movie is meant to be intellectual stimulating.

Moving on, Hermman and Anna are running into problems because they are now black. Hermann is being told that members of his sports club are complaining about his appearance. What did he expect? Sarah gets complexes about her baby, will it be hers or Anna's... ? Later in the movie...

Sarah/Anna still pregnant, goes to Menzana, the company which transfers the minds, with Hermann. There they are shown how their child will look like. Anna throws in the question who's child it will be. And they have to make up their minds, because the next day the three months are up. At which point the original bodies will be cremated. Next day they return and sign the documents. Both haven't taken their medication. So Sarah compliments Dr. Menzel (or Mengele?) about the sculptures on her table. Same compliment was given by Anna in the beginning. Thus they are being found out, also the company installed security cameras in their home and of course witnessed them not playing ball. Big fuss ensues from Apolain how evil the company is, bla bla. Bearing in mind that all four involved had been fully informed what is going down on them.

In the end. The minds are being transferred back to Hermann and Anna. Host Bodies are being restored to before, baby is being aborted, company wins. Hermann doesn't quite make it and dies during or after the transfer. Anna, which has cancer survives him. I suppose that is the twist in the movie...

While there is definitely potential in the story it, it could have been better if the portrayal of the technology would have been more on the positive side of things. E.g. Person born with blindness or other crippling conditions would be able to use a healthy body.

All this drivel achieves is showing the ignorance of the characters of the white rich people, the willingness of those people/characters to enslave other bodies for their benefit, the oldest sins committed in the newest ways, and drivel is set in a country which should know better to start with, but then what country could be better? The acting is fine to me. Purely the premise is rubbish to me, with that 1 star.

Maybe i'm taking this with a to realistic view on things portrayed in this movie? But I am wondering, if a movie would be made about the bodies of Jews being used by German minds, if people would find it equally stimulating as said here? Somehow doubt it though.

It can only be hoped that this stays science fiction.

Just a short review

[christine-ogley · 9/10 · 15 June 2013]

I thought I'd add a review, since there aren't many up yet, and this isn't a movie that I think you'd easily find information on otherwise.

Excellent movie. I was looking for some kind of cerebral sci-fi, and I definitely found it. There was a lot more social commentary than I expected (the summary on Netflix was vague), which was great. The visuals add to the commentary and plot - the white actors are so white, I mistakenly thought it was filmed in a Nordic country. (Yes, I know they are speaking German... The 'Nordic' setting seemed to make sense until I thought about the language.) The reflections are subtle enough to challenge you into thinking without hitting you in the face and getting you on the defensive.

Gattaca is an apt reference. I'd add Total Recall and Blade Runner, although the effects are more Gattaca and/or cerebral French films. Actually it reminded me of The Beat That My Heart Skipped (Audiard) as well, possibly because of the stellar soundtrack. It's also similar to Audiard's movie as a psychologically gripping film, following characters through dubious choices through to some kind of understanding and/or change.

One of the best SF movies in recent years!

[maliapac · 9/10 · 18 February 2014]

Thank you Netflix. Damir Lukacevic is for me surprisingly unknown director and writer of the film (and I'm coming from Croatia).

"Transfer" is a great movie with a wonderful story with wonderful social criticism, black and white racism, corporation exploitation, cultural differences and exploitation of the poor people. Storyline is the main quality of this movie, direction is surprisingly good; only acting performances could be better. Nevertheless, comparison with "Gattaca", "Blade Runner" or SF canon "Dune" is inevitable. Is it morally OK to transfer one's consciousness, and can we talk then about preservation of humanity or its final perversion? Do we have the right to play with nature in such way?

"Transfer" is one of the best SF movies I watched in recent years. Hopefully, Hollywood filmmakers will learn from this masterful piece of storytelling.

excellent transhumanist sci-fi

[lauramichellebrowne · 8/10 · 2 December 2012]

This was an excellent transhumanist sci-fi venture. For the most part subtle, controlled performances by the four protagonists. The cold, sterile tone throughout is fitting given the ethically and racially charged content. It might be tempting for some reviewers to dismiss the race issues in the film as a status quo 'bad rich whites exploit minorities' trope, but the nuanced emotional turmoil portrayed by the leads is enough to discount this claim. It's not just a movie about the evils of capitalism and modern slavery; it's about mortality, cowardice, sacrifice, empathy and love. Other reviews have also made comparisons to Gattica, but as a hard-sci-fi nerd, I have to say that this movie made Gattica look like a cheap, chintzy romance. My only qualm was that one of the supporting cast plays a somewhat hokey character, but this slightly off-kilter performance is negligible.

I rate the film 8/10 because in its own way, Transfer was nearly as good as the best sci-fi movies in recent memory. Granted, it doesn't have the aesthetically thrilling special effects -not to mention the warm, fuzzy nostalgic franchise value- of J. J. Abrams' Star Trek, nor the romance of Another Earth, nor the starry glamour of Melancholia, nor the gritty horror of Looper... but Transfer does things differently and in the end, the low-budget realism of this movie takes the effect of a slowly burrowing sort of psychological foreboding more akin to Primer. What it lacks in action, it makes up for in philosophy. Of course, it's not a 10/10 dynamite classic of Blade Runner-esque or, say, The Empire Strikes Back calibre, but it is good.

Poster: http://extreme-down.com/uploads/posts/2012- 01/1325797360_transfer-french-dvdrip.jpg

An interesting and controversial film. Well worth the watch

[benserenity · 10/10 · 4 September 2016]

To the reviewer who gave this film 1/10 because you disagreed with the morality of choices made by the characters: are we serious right now? Transfer is obviously meant to be an imperfect world, wherein difficult and sometimes amoral choices are made. Would you kill someone to save your life partner? In the end it doesn't matter, because I'm not writing a review about you. You call it modern slavery? I can call Gataca modern eugenics, that doesn't mean it deserves 1/10.

That out of the way: transfer is a good film with tight sound design and crisp shooting, pulled together with the kind of style we've come to expect from modern sci-fi like Ex Machina. The story is engaging, as well as being controversial and even sometimes bizarre. Unfortunately, the ending fails to tie everything together in a satisfying manner, leaving the cute and happy romance bubble burst in the last few minutes of the film. That aside, transfer is by no means a bad film. I give it a 7.5/10 on its own merits alone. The 10/10 is to help offset the horrid 1/10 I don't feel it deserved.