Directed by:
Christian PetzoldScreenplay:
Christian PetzoldCinematography:
Hans FrommCast:
Paula Beer, Franz Rogowski, Maryam Zaree, Jacob Matschenz, Anne Ratte-Polle, Rafael Stachowiak, Julia Franz Richter, Gloria Endres de Oliveira, Enno Trebs (more)Plots(1)
Undine is a historian who works as a museum guide in Berlin. She knows all about the Humboldt Forum, and has the knack of choosing just the right blouse and suit. She is nonchalantly beautiful, and the way she imparts her knowledge about the city that was built on a swamp is as professional as it is graceful. And yet, time and again, her gaze wanders over to the courtyard café at the Stadtmuseum to see if he is there, or is still there, or if he’s there again. Him. But Johannes is leaving, leaving her, and Undine’s world is collapsing. The magic has gone... Christian Petzold reworks the myth of the mysterious water spirit as a modern fairy-tale in a disenchanted world. His Undine defies her role as a powerless and spurned woman and falls in love anew, with Christoph, who dives into the sunken world of a reservoir. Petzold’s deeply assured work reimagines this legend by way of his own cinematic vision, in which precise everyday gestures are combined with ghostly hyperrealism. The story of a life-or-death love, splendidly and effortlessly told. (Berlinale)
(more)Reviews (1)
I have a great fondness for Franz Rogowski, which can be considered one of the reasons why I just had to enjoy this film. Not to mention the fact that he and Paula Beer make a lovely loving couple here. Another and quite significant reason is the story of an unfulfilled love itself, loosely inspired by an ancient legend. And last but not least, I was absolutely blown away by Bach's piano music, which rang out whenever I was overcome with emotion. (80%)
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