In the Fade

Diane Kruger is completely out of this world here. Her depressive states got right under my skin in a way, that hasn’t happened to me with a movie for a while. Likewise, the theme is very current, interesting, and in the full context of the modern period very telling. More than the movie, I was focused on the mental state of Diane’s character, which was gradually mentally collapsing like a house of cards and I was at the edge of my seat every minute. However, the movie goes into the consequences and so it also points out how problematic the German judiciary system is. I personally didn’t get what else they were expecting. I didn’t give it 5 stars possibly only because of how bad I felt after watching the movie. Injustice is a bitch. (11/08/2018)

A solid family drama that, had it been picked up by a capable American independent film maker, could have been a smash hit. Because firstly, German is a terrible language and at times a slight barrier. Secondly, the decent opening and the fantastic performance by Diane Kruger is dragged down by a strange ending that is supposed to be artistic and break conventions, but instead doesn't correspond with the setting of the main character. The scenes in the courtroom, where two brilliant lawyers nonchalantly duel with each other, remain the most effective and by far the best. (05/09/2018)

This is a completely precise work in terms of directing and acting, this time condemning racial hatred through the motif of right-wing terrorism. The story is slightly manipulative and in the end a bit hurried and therefore not completely satisfying, but everything until then is thought out and written well. The strong theme is used in a thrilling, emotional and brilliantly escalating storyline, and Diane Kruger really does an amazing job. There are many other films about this topic, but that doesn't matter. Quality is what’s important. (07/03/2017)

A depressing as fuck and unexpectedly great film. The excellent Diane Kruger loses her son and husband in a bomb attack, which results in incredible pressure and stress from the police and a subsequent trial where I couldn't breathe. Excellent dialogue, perfect acting, stifling atmosphere and a shocking finale. Good job by the Germans. 80%. (08/19/2018)

Diane Kruger is indeed an interesting actress and she immersed herself in her role with great enthusiasm, but from my point of view, this is the least attractive film from Fatih Akin's workshop. He presents his audience with a story with clearly defined and polarized sides of the conflict. On one side, there is a repulsive manipulative lawyer representing equally repulsive murderers reduced to typical figures that are in no way "worthy" opponents for the main protagonist. The director's approach to the material is instructive, precisely determining what we should think about the film characters and what attitudes to hold. I prefer creators who provide me as a viewer with more space for reflection on the problem. The screenplay suffers from logical flaws in the trial phase in order for the screenwriter to steer the plot where he wants it to go. And I haven't even mentioned the ethically very problematic ending, which moves the film to a different level. Overall impression: 55%, and that's only while taking into consideration Diane's commitment... (07/08/2021)