And with that I am referring to all those weak, or occasionally horrible, films that deal with homosexuality. Most of these are short films and for some reason people seem to appreciate them only because of the topic, even in the face of low production values or talentless actors. This one is different. And that is mostly because of two people. The first would be Stephan Lacant who did a really good job writing and directing these 100 minutes. The second is Hanno Koffler, who delivers an incredibly convincing performance. He absolutely deserved his Best Actor nomination at the German Film Awards, It was an amazing year. Didi Hallervorden and Sascha Alexander Gersak were really really good in their movies as well.
This one here deals with two separate issues of homosexuality. First of all, there is the professional factor. The main character works as a police officer which is probably one of the worst professions for such a sexual tendency. The only possibly worse one I can think of would be football player. He faces lots of homophobia, but also tolerance from several colleagues. The second area is his private life. He has a girlfriend, who is pregnant and becomes a father halfway into the film, which makes the whole situation even more complicated. So what is he? Bi-curious? Bisexual? Homosexual? It does not become entirely obvious. Even the ending is an open one, but still it seems there is no future for him and his girlfriend. The latter is played by Katharina Schüttler. She has a tendency to be very similar in all the character she plays, but I still believe she is a very talented actress. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about Max Riemelt. Just like Schüttler, he is among the most lauded actors of his generation, but in my opinion, he plays always the same character and I am yet to see a performance from him where he proves to me that he has really decent range. I am not only referring to the fact here that he has played so many police officers in his career, but that there is never anything new with him in terms of making the character his own. He does not lose himself in the role.
Thank God, this cannot be said about Koffler, who is slowly gaining similar (amd far more deserved) acclaim. Another Best Actor nomination for "Härte" this year for him. But back to this film here, supporting characters are all pretty solid too and played by experienced actors such as Maren Kroymann. All in all, this film is definitely worth a watch. Tense from start to finish and nothing more than a handful weaknesses. Mostly, I would have preferred another actor than Riemelt as the main character's love interest. But Lacant did really good here and shows us that he got great experience from his short film work in the past. This was the second time already I watched this film. First time was when it came to theaters back in 2013. It hasn't gotten worse on rewatch at all. However, I am not too sure what to think of the idea that there will be a sequel here. Then again, maybe it won't even be made. We shall see. This original here I certainly recommend.
This one here deals with two separate issues of homosexuality. First of all, there is the professional factor. The main character works as a police officer which is probably one of the worst professions for such a sexual tendency. The only possibly worse one I can think of would be football player. He faces lots of homophobia, but also tolerance from several colleagues. The second area is his private life. He has a girlfriend, who is pregnant and becomes a father halfway into the film, which makes the whole situation even more complicated. So what is he? Bi-curious? Bisexual? Homosexual? It does not become entirely obvious. Even the ending is an open one, but still it seems there is no future for him and his girlfriend. The latter is played by Katharina Schüttler. She has a tendency to be very similar in all the character she plays, but I still believe she is a very talented actress. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about Max Riemelt. Just like Schüttler, he is among the most lauded actors of his generation, but in my opinion, he plays always the same character and I am yet to see a performance from him where he proves to me that he has really decent range. I am not only referring to the fact here that he has played so many police officers in his career, but that there is never anything new with him in terms of making the character his own. He does not lose himself in the role.
Thank God, this cannot be said about Koffler, who is slowly gaining similar (amd far more deserved) acclaim. Another Best Actor nomination for "Härte" this year for him. But back to this film here, supporting characters are all pretty solid too and played by experienced actors such as Maren Kroymann. All in all, this film is definitely worth a watch. Tense from start to finish and nothing more than a handful weaknesses. Mostly, I would have preferred another actor than Riemelt as the main character's love interest. But Lacant did really good here and shows us that he got great experience from his short film work in the past. This was the second time already I watched this film. First time was when it came to theaters back in 2013. It hasn't gotten worse on rewatch at all. However, I am not too sure what to think of the idea that there will be a sequel here. Then again, maybe it won't even be made. We shall see. This original here I certainly recommend.