A mild disappointment, if only because the reviews were so uniformly glowing, this is a beautifully constructed character drama which falters only because of an occasional uncertainty of tone- the film seems unsure whether to be a thriller or a character piece, and can’t quite manage to be both: the climax descends into unnecessary melodrama, and has a Return Of The King-like number of false endings, not all of which seem strictly necessary. These are minor quibbles, though, with what is otherwise an unreservedly recommended film. And perhaps my favourite director’s name ever.
A great shame, though, that the extraordinary lead actor, Ulrich Muhe, died earlier this week.
by Tom Huddleston | Source: 35mm print
29 Jul 2007 5:50 PM | Submit Comment
