Many films have come out focused on the Holocaust, but none quite like this. First off, this film takes place after the Holocaust, dealing with a woman who survived a concentration camp. More striking than the setting and timeline of the film is the genre. The film is set up as a noir mystery/thriller, giving off a Hitchcockian feel. The product of the genre choice is an intense psychological film that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats.
Truly, I loved this film even though it contained some minor storyline flaws. Not only was the tone a fresh feel for a post-Holocaust movie, but the cinematography was beautiful. One of the most striking visuals in the film is the Phoenix jazz club. The club helps to create a post-war visual of Berlin with its dim red lighting and surrounding rubble of a torn up country.
The moment that I found out that I loved this film comes at the very end. Most of the film is build-up for the final scene, meaning that the pace of the film is pretty slow. By the final scene, the audience is completely unsure of what will happen to the two main characters. Throughout the film they are uncomfortable with each other due to new facts discovered about how Nelly (Nina Hoss) ended up in a concentration camp in the first place. In order to avoid spoiling the ending, I will say no more and finish by advising you to go see this movie if you can.
The Bottom Line: Christian Petzold is a director who clearly knows how to make a genre film that is intense and fresh, led by two strong actors.
Score: 9.4/10
Truly, I loved this film even though it contained some minor storyline flaws. Not only was the tone a fresh feel for a post-Holocaust movie, but the cinematography was beautiful. One of the most striking visuals in the film is the Phoenix jazz club. The club helps to create a post-war visual of Berlin with its dim red lighting and surrounding rubble of a torn up country.
The moment that I found out that I loved this film comes at the very end. Most of the film is build-up for the final scene, meaning that the pace of the film is pretty slow. By the final scene, the audience is completely unsure of what will happen to the two main characters. Throughout the film they are uncomfortable with each other due to new facts discovered about how Nelly (Nina Hoss) ended up in a concentration camp in the first place. In order to avoid spoiling the ending, I will say no more and finish by advising you to go see this movie if you can.
The Bottom Line: Christian Petzold is a director who clearly knows how to make a genre film that is intense and fresh, led by two strong actors.
Score: 9.4/10
