Change Your Image
kokkinoskitrinosmple
Lists
An error has ocurred. Please try againReviews
Berlin Alexanderplatz: Fassbinder, Berlin Alexanderplatz, 14 - Mein Traum vom Traum des Franz Biberkopf von Alfred Döblin: Ein Epilog (1980)
Epilogue
The epilogue is a different ball game altogether compared to the rest of the series. Reality gives way to the surreal world of dreams and the subconscious, David Lynch would definitely be proud. It is an interesting and unexpected choice. It offers us some powerful, imaginative and memorable images, though they hardly make any sense whatsoever. That's true at first glance at least, one is encouraged to study them more deeply and try to make his way through it, discover hidden meanings, symbolisms etc. Except the ending, of course, which is perfectly clear. On the other hand, one could argue that there wasn't a more fitting way to end the series than this, never failing to make an impression.
Berlin Alexanderplatz: Das Äußere und das Innere und das Geheimnis der Angst vor dem Geheimnis (1980)
Episode thirteen
The thirteenth episode is the most heartbreaking. Franz is in a desperate situation, as he thinks Mieze has abandoned him. His nostalgia even leads him to revisiting the forest they once visited together and where she ended up being killed, what an irony. Not having anything meaningful to do, he takes part in another heist, which goes slightly wrong and causes Meck's injury. After Franz helps him, Meck becomes so guilt-ridden that he confesses to the police what happened to Mieze. When Franz finds out about her murder, his hysterical reaction is another painful reminder of what a tragic figure he is.
Berlin Alexanderplatz: Die Schlange in der Seele der Schlange (1980)
Episode twelve
The twelfth episode is the highlight of the series so far. It starts with some tender moments between Franz and Mieze that serve little purpose other than to show their violent confrontation is a thing of the past and that their relationship is better than ever. It starts going off the rails when she wants to accompany him in the bar where he meets the rest of the gang. An interesting dynamic is created between Franz, Mieze, Meck and Reinhold. Meck tricks Mieze, who follows him in the forest, where Reinhold is waiting for her and the two of them go for a walk in the woods, an incredibly intense, in a fascinating and haunting way, almost surreal scene.
Berlin Alexanderplatz: Wissen ist Macht und Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund (1980)
Episode eleven
In the eleventh episode the action picks up and it also reminds the viewers that every character is absolutely mental. Franz visits Reinhold and their relationship keeps developing in strange ways. Franz wants to take part in the gang's criminal activities again. They are unsure of his intentions, but accept and he makes some money. This causes Mieze's reaction, who fears that he will leave her if he is financially independent. In the meantime, Franz wants to prove to Reinhold that decent women actually exist, so he hides him in the bed in order to watch Mieze in action. However, this operation doesn't turn out as expected, because Mieze confesses that she is in love with a younger man, which drives Franz insane and results in him beating her vigorously. However, they choose to pretend this incident never happened and go on a trip in the countryside to find peace in nature.
Berlin Alexanderplatz: Einsamkeit reißt auch in Mauern Risse des Irrsinns (1980)
Episode ten
The tenth episode opens with an absurd scene between Eva and Mieze, where they agree that the former will have a kid with Franz. When he hears the news, he is devastated at first but after the proper explanations he comes to term with the idea. In the meantime, he takes part in another political discussion, which affects him and he ends up completely drunk and visits the prison in which he used to be held. Maybe life inside was simpler and easier. Mieze asks him to quit politics and Franz agrees. However, when it is suggested to him that he should also stop drinking, he realises that his life will be completely empty without those, as he feels unable to work due to his disability. Mieze's announcement that she will spend three days with a client is the crushing blow to his state of mind, loneliness is too much to handle.
Berlin Alexanderplatz: Von den Ewigkeiten zwischen den Vielen und den Wenigen (1980)
Episode nine
The ninth episode starts and Franz reunites with Mieze, who is as mentally unstable as him, if not more. He walks through the infamous red light district once again and exchanges a couple of weird stories with a pimp. Things take an even weirder turn, as he visits Reinhold and they have a conversation with no real point or meaning. The final part is equally absurd, as he attends a communist gathering, which seems to barely interest him, but afterwards he gets involved In a series of debates regarding various political matters. It is worth pointing out that the scene of the murder is shown two more times, each time with a different narration. The symbolism isn't clear, maybe that his attempt to go straight is vain and he can't escape his "dark" fate.
Berlin Alexanderplatz: Die Sonne wärmt die Haut, die sie manchmal verbrennt (1980)
Episode eight
The eighth episode expands on how the accident has affected Franz. He has adopted a more cynical approach in life, he isn't interested in doing an honest job, he prefers some easy and quick money instead, even if they come from a dubious source. In the meantime, he meets a young woman, Mieze, who, once again in a miraculous way, falls for him completely and unconditionally. She is exactly what he needs in these difficult moments, as she takes him back to the bright and innocent side of life, until a love letter disrupts their relationship. One big positive of this episode is that Eva has more screen time than usual. Her character doesn't make that much sense, but is captivating nonetheless.
Berlin Alexanderplatz: Merke - Einen Schwur kann man amputieren (1980)
Episode seven
Episode seven is really painful, as Franz has to cope with the loss of his hand. This involves a variety of regular and irregular activities such as spending time with Eva and her lover, confronting Meck, going to a red light district with all sorts of weird women, talking to a glass of beer, etc. One aspect that strikes out in this episode is the fitting use of music. Meanwhile, Pums and his gang decide against killing Franz. Instead they want to offer him some financial help. He won't accept it, but he won't snitch them either. At the same time, Reinhold's toxic relationship with Cilly keeps going.
Berlin Alexanderplatz: Eine Liebe, das kostet immer viel (1980)
Episode six
In episode six, Franz decides to finally engage in Pums' business, only to find out illegal activities are on the menu and both his friends, Meck and Reinhold, take part in it. When a car follows them after a robbery, they suspect him as a traitor and throw him out of the car causing his severe injury. In the meantime, Reinhold can't escape his women addiction and carries on with his disgusting behaviour. It's also worth noting that the narrator throws some interesting poetry lines in the mix, not to mention Franz's feverish, philosophical rant, which seems to be a recurring theme of the series, as he finds himself in a state of delirium after the accident.
Berlin Alexanderplatz: Ein Schnitter mit der Gewalt vom lieben Gott (1980)
Episode five
Episode five finds Franz going back to basics, living in his old apartment and trying to make a living by selling newspapers. Things take a weird turn when he meets Reinhold, a man who grows tired of his partners rapidly and convinces Franz to act as the stepping stone for them, so that he can move on to the next. At some point Franz, who again has no trouble charming these women, decides to break this pattern and get in a serious relationship with one of them, Cilly. He thinks Reinhold is a good man despite his flaws and wants to help him get on the right track. The dynamic between the two men and their interactions will play a key role for the rest of the series.
Berlin Alexanderplatz: Eine Handvoll Menschen in der Tiefe der Stille (1980)
Episode four
As episode four starts, Franz lives in a new apartment. The lady who owns the beer store informs him in great detail about the people who live in the neighborhood. This gives the chance for some nice shots, for example when he looks out the window and sees the rest of them, such as the lawyer and his secretary. The main point, though, is that he is all alone, he even passes on the opportunity to get involved with another woman who somehow is attracted to him, he doesn't have a job, he consumes tons of alcohol and digs deeper in the rabbit hole, losing touch with reality, as he has abandoned all hope, he thinks he has no future and there is no one to help him. That's when a neighbor's role, Baumann, proves to be crucial. Eventually Franz decides it's time to return to his former life and he reunites with his old friend Meck.
Berlin Alexanderplatz: Ein Hammer auf den Kopf kann die Seele verletzen (1980)
Episode three
In the third episode things really get going. Lina convinces Franz to leave his job once more. He is determined to keep clean and rejects an offer to engage in dubious activities. Instead, Lina introduces him to Otto, so that he can try his luck in the shoelaces' business. There he runs into Eva, a former partner. This encounter affects him, as he realises that, despite his good intentions, it seems he can't escape his past. Even more interesting, though, is his interaction with a widow who suffers from loneliness and falls for him - like pretty much every female in the series. When Otto finds out, he wants a part of her, too. After she spurns him, he takes her money and leaves her in shock. As a result, she doesn't want anything to do with Franz either, which triggers his reaction. He simply can't catch a break. It's not an outburst this time, he runs away and disappears.
Berlin Alexanderplatz: Wie soll man leben, wenn man nicht sterben will (1980)
Episode two
The second episode is an improvement. It moves the plot forward, as Franz has to find a way to make a living. Selling necktie holders isn't a profitable business, but when a more promising opportunity arises involving sexually themed magazines, Lina's excessive and irrational jealousy forces him to reject this offer. This is the first time she gets some character development and shows that they are a perfect match, as they are both equally annoying. She also threatens to leave him, but he charms her via brute force. Finally, a political dimension is added. He is employed from a Nazi newspaper which leads to a series of heated debates against some Soviet fans, ending with Franz's massive outburst.
Berlin Alexanderplatz: Die Strafe beginnt (1980)
Episode one
The first episode does its best to discourage you from watching the rest of the series. A man, Franz, is released from prison after four years, but this time has taken its toll on his mental state, which seems to be damaged beyond repair. What follows is a series of random encounters that hardly make any sense. He meets a mysterious figure that narrates an absurd story, gets interrupted by another, equally mysterious figure and they start arguing. He also visits a prostitute who is just as weird as him. Instead of an intercourse, an education regarding male sexual function takes place. Then he rapes her sister in law, a pathetically weak character that doesn't resist at all. He picks up a woman, Lina, at the local bar and for an unknown reason she falls for him so hard that they immediately become a couple. The only somewhat meaningful scenes are a flashback that shows the murder that led to his conviction and the ending where he evades deportation from Berlin thanks to an organisation called Prisoners' Aid.
Berlin Alexanderplatz (1980)
One of a kind
Berlin Alexanderplatz is a wild, unique, imaginative and admittedly quite bumpy ride. It is highly succesful in creating its own world, which plays by a different set of rules as if it were part of another, slightly distorted universe and as a result becomes instantly memorable, but at the same time it tries to keep the viewer out of it, constantly challenging him and making him feel uncomfortable, not to mention this world is painfully dark, filled with unlikeable and entirely immoral human beings who showcase the ugliest side of human nature in all its glory. All in all, it's definitely a difficult experience, but it remains a must watch for any fan of cinema nonetheless.
L'agonie de Byzance (1913)
Historical epic, a genre in the making
L'agonie de Byzance may be awfully simple by today's standards, but is quite an achievement nonetheless. It revolves around the fall of Constantinople and with it the Byzantine Empire. Even though it's rather slow, it builds up nicely to it, as it shows the Ottoman Turks preparing for the final attack and the Christians praying in agony and waiting for their tragic fate, creating an emotional contrast. Great job in the production (the extras, the costumes, etc.) and set design department that paved the way for the endless historical epics that followed. There are even a couple of battle scenes thrown in the mix!
Ivan Groznyy. Skaz vtoroy: Boyarskiy zagovor (1958)
Spectacular, but lacks the punch of the first part
The second part of Ivan the terrible is equally spectacular, but slightly different in terms of style. It plays out in a more theatrical, almost operatic way, occasionally approaching musical territory, there's even a coloured part towards the end. It is an interesting choice, but overall it lacks the punch of the first part.
The tone is even darker, as Ivan' drama thickens. He has to deal with the loss of his wife, the betrayal of his friend and be always alert about a possible conspiracy against him. The movie also offers an insight into Ivan's psyche by showing a glimpse of his traumatic childhood memories that shaped his character. Talk about a tragic figure.
It's a shame part three never saw the light of day.
Ivan Groznyy (1944)
Epic, expressionistic and dramatic
Ivan the Terrible retains the grand, epic scale of Sergei Eisenstein's most famous work, Battleship Potemkin, perfectly evident in scenes such as the battle in Kazan, but there's a difference in style. Realism gives way to a visually striking, almost theatrical approach that is reminiscent of German movies of the '20s. That includes the performances, sets, camera angles, use of shadows, etc.
Also, this movie adds a new element, the personal drama of an individual, namely Ivan (Nikolay Cherkasov) who emerges as a tragic figure. He is determined to make his vision of a great Russia come true, but in the process he finds himself alone and has to fight against both external and internal enemies with no one to trust.
Faustrecht der Freiheit (1975)
Society, high and ugly
Franz Biberkopf (Rainer Werner Fassbinder) is a young man who used to work in a circus type of show as a speaking head without a body and then wins the lottery. As a result, he joins the high class society by forming a homosexual relationship with Eugen Thiess (Peter Chatel). However, the feelings are one-sided, as Eugen views him as an easily exploitable prey that will save the family business that is on the brink of bankruptcy. When Franz realises there's no way he can fit in this world where he is endlessly ridiculed, he is in for a crushing reality check, finally being able to see the truth.
Fassbinder's movies are often characterised by sharp and bitter social commentary, but Faustrecht der Freiheit is extremely painful in that regard, as it shows the disgusting nature of human behaviour in all its glory, making for a difficult watching experience that will leave the viewer miserable and angry.
And of course it has to be said that Fassbinder in the leading role offers us what is arguably his greatest acting performance.
Bronenosets Potyomkin (1925)
Revolution in more than one ways
Battleship Potemkin is about the 1905 revolution in Russia. When the crew complains about the poor quality of the meat they have to eat, the officers decide to execute them. After a fierce battle, the crew takes control of the ship but loses Vakulinchuk, the leader of the riot. When they arrive at Odessa, his body is left in public. As a result, a massive crowd gathers, moved by his sacrifice. This causes the reaction of the police and an unspeakable massacre ensues. Finally, the sailors of the ship are ready to face czar's fleet, when the latter responds to their message and allows them to pass, showing their support.
Even though it lacks in personal drama and the political context is irrelevant, Battleship Potemkin remains an absolute classic, because it signals a revolution in filmmaking, a true epic. The close-up shots are used wisely and to great effect. The editing is also crucial, taking advantage of fast cutting and a relentless pace that helps the viewer to be emotionally involved, actually take part in the events that are depicted in the movie and feel the intensity of the moments. The casting is equally great, despite hiring many non-professional actors, mostly thanks to some extremely memorable faces. There's even a glimpse of colour, the famous red flag. And of course one can't ignore the elephant in the room, the Odessa steps sequence, one of the most powerful and influential scenes in the history of cinema.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
O Captain! My Captain!
Dead Poets Society hits you like a truck. It is so powerful that it will move you, inspire you, make you think. Exactly what Professor Keating (Robin Williams) did to his students. "Boys, you must strive to find your own voice" and of course "Carpe Diem" are two phrases that capture the essence of his philosophy. In other words, find your passion and go for it without wasting your time on what society or the rules consider right. From that moment on, his students' lives are changed forever. Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard) wants to become an actor, Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke) wants to overcome his insecurity and come to terms with himself, Knox Overstreet (Josh Charles) wants to capture the heart of a girl he met and Charlie Dalton (Gale Hansen), perhaps the most committed practitioner of Mr. Keating's teachings, wants to turn the world upside down and in the meantime have as much fun as possible. Another great thing about it is that it shows both sides of the coin, namely that even if you get in this state of mind, life works in mysterious ways and there are no guarantees of success or happiness, reality can crush you at any moment. All in all, it's hard to judge Dead Poets Society purely as a movie, it's more of a life experience.
Diplomatie (2014)
An important bit of history
Diplomatie is definitely an important movie, because it deals with a forgotten but crucial bit of history that could have completely changed the world as we know it today had things ended up in a different way.
Swedish diplomat Raoul Nordling (André Dussollier) tries his best in a desperate attempt to convince German General Dietrich von Choltitz (Niels Arestrup) not to blow up Paris. The movie's strongest point is the acting and the dialogue, as it shows the nasty side of behind closed doors diplomacy that uses every possible means to achieve its goal, in this case how it slowly but surely overcomes the General's resistance.
On the other hand, it's not easy to make something hugely entertaining or exciting out of it, as it's mostly two people in one room speaking endlessly. Also, viewers are well aware of the final outcome, so despite the tension that is created, it's not that effective in the end, Paris will survive.
The main set is nice, a luxurious room in a high class hotel. They don't make the most out of Paris as a setting, though there are some nice moments, especially towards the end.
October Sky (1999)
Simple but inspiring
It's true that October Sky does not feature the most exciting or unpredictable plot. On the other hand, it's a simple and straightforward but at the same time inspiring and touching story. It's based on the real life events of Homer Hickam (Jake Gyllenhaal), a boy / young man who lives in a small mining town but wants to escape his fate, which consists of working in the local coal mine, and get involved in building and launching rockets instead. It's the ideal family movie that won't leave anyone unaffected, as it shows someone who is dedicated to follow his passion and overcome all the obstacles in the meantime.
127 Hours (2010)
Survival
Aron Ralston (James Franco) is a guy living for adventures. In one of his canyon explorations, though, his hand gets trapped under a boulder. That's where an insane fight for survival begins.
The plot is simple. What makes it interesting is the use of camera that offers both breathtaking landscapes and the subjective view of reality through the main character's eyes. Also, the sheer realism shows a man can go to great lengths in order to save his life and it makes sure that some scenes will stick with the viewer for quite some time, the most obvious example being the climax, one of the most difficult to watch scenes in memory.
Above all, however, stands James Franco's performance, who brings an incredible intensity to his character that essentially carries the movie and keeps the audience engaged throughout its entirety, which is no small feat, considering it's a one man show in one location for more than one hour. One scene that showcases the mastery of his craft is when he imagines himself as a guest of a radio show and portrays both the presenter and himself, a combination of comedy and tragedy, an emotional tour de force.
Das schweigende Klassenzimmer (2018)
A forgotten part of history
Das Schweigende Klassenzimmer is based on the real-life events of a class in East Germany in 1956 that decided to dedicate two minutes of silence as an act of support to the Hungarian uprising. This causes a massive reaction and the situation soon gets out of control.
It is a thought-provoking and eye-opening movie, as it brings to light a rather unknown or forgotten part of history, though it could have pushed even more towards that direction. Instead, it tries to take a more entertaining approach by simplyfying the socio-political commentary and balancing it with the dramatic elements. Also, the villains are one-dimensional and never get any proper development.