German cinema may not be as prominent as its French and British counterparts, but it has produced some of the most exceptional films in history. From the first-ever sci-fi film, 1927’s Metropolis, to the pioneering horror film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari in 1920, German cinema has left an indelible mark on the world of film. If you’re new to German movies, here are five recommendations to get you started.
Downfall: A Glimpse into the Final Moments of Nazi Germany
Downfall (or Der Untergang in German) offers a harrowing portrayal of Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler during their last days before succumbing to the Allied forces. The film features an outstanding cast, including the late Swiss actor Bruno Ganz as Hitler. Ganz’s meticulous study of Hitler’s mannerisms and movements resulted in a chillingly accurate portrayal of the dictator. Downfall received numerous awards and nominations, including a Best Foreign Language Film nomination at the 77th Academy Awards. Roger Ebert’s review highlights the film’s exploration of the world within Hitler’s bunker and the dictator’s delusional final days.
The Tin Drum: A Surreal Reflection of the 20th Century
The Tin Drum is a critically acclaimed 1979 film directed by Volker Schlöndorff and starring David Bennent, Angela Winkler, and Mario Adorf. The movie tells the story of Oskar Matzerath, a boy who stops growing after a traumatic event and experiences the tumultuous events of the 20th century. The Tin Drum won the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards, and The Guardian praised the film for accurately reflecting the complexities and contradictions of the last century.
Never Look Away: A Tale of Love, Art, and Post-WW2 Germany
Never Look Away (or Werk ohne Autor in German) is a coming-of-age film directed and written by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. The movie follows the lives of two German art students who fall in love and face challenges from one of their fathers. Edge Media Network praised the film’s epic yet intimate exploration of the transcendent nature of art and post-WW2 Germany. Never Look Away was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards.
Nowhere in Africa: A Family’s Escape from Persecution
Nowhere in Africa, directed by Caroline Link, is based on a novel by journalist Stefanie Zweig. The film tells the story of a German-Jewish family who flees to Kenya during World War II to escape persecution. Rotten Tomatoes highlights the movie’s exploration of the family’s adaptation to their new life and the challenges they face. Nowhere in Africa won the Best Foreign Language Film Award at the 75th Academy Awards.
The Lives of Others: A Tale of Surveillance and Humanity in East Berlin
The Lives of Others is the last German film to have won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, taking home the trophy in 2006. Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, the movie tells the story of a secret police agent in 1984 East Berlin who is tasked with surveilling a writer and his lover. The film is highly acclaimed for its performances, particularly Ulrich Muhe’s portrayal of the conflicted agent. A review on ScreenAnarchy praises the film’s storytelling and its exploration of the complexities of life in East Germany.
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