Undine

Undine-480P

source: Undine

The movie that made me fall in love with Berlin, which I went twice and couldn't love. A modern Romeo + Juliet story from the Germans. A visual and auditory feast. A film with a unique spirit that breaks down the prejudices of "Germans can't make a love movie" and "German is not an emotional language".

Greetings again from the darkness. German filmmaker Christian Petzold has a track record of creating thought-provoking, intelligent, and ambitious films such as BARBARA (2012) and TRANSIT (2018). This time out he re-teams his TRANSIT co-stars Paula Beer and Franz Rogowski in a film that's more fable or fairy tale than conventional storytelling. If forced to label, we might go with Fantasy-Romance-Drama-Mystery, which really means the film doesn't easily fit into a known genre. The film opens with a very uncomfortable break-up scene between Johannes (Jacob Matschentz) and Undine (Ms. Beer). When he says they are done, she responds, "If you leave me, I'll have to kill you. You know that." While researching the name Undine, I stumbled upon the 1811 German fairy tale of a water nymph Friedrich de la Motte Fouquet, which clearly inspired Petzold. The story has some similarities to "The Little Mermaid", itself a Danish fairy tale originally written by Hans Christian Anderson. It helps to know all of this upfront to prevent some of the frustration that goes with deciphering what is real and what is imagined. As one would imagine, water is a recurring element throughout - beginning with Undine's chance and unusual café meet-cute with Christoph (Mr. Rogowski). The two find themselves attracted and connected after being drenched. Christoph is an industrial diver, so water is a part of his life ... as is 'Big Guenther', the legendary giant catfish he spots while on a job. Undine is a historian who holds sessions for tourists during which she recounts the architectural evolution and urban sprawl of Berlin over the past centuries, by utilizing scale models of the different eras. We also learn that "Berlin" means marsh, or a dry place in the marsh ... yet another water-related aspect. Ms. Beer, who was so good in FRANTZ (2016) and NEVER LOOK AWAY (2018) continues her fine work, and reuniting with her TRANSIT co-star, Mr. Rogowski (VICTORIA, 2015) works out beautifully, as they have a nice rapport. Mr. Petzold's film has a supernatural element and is dreamlike at times, and though I've used the "fairy tale" description, it's clearly a very high concept film for grown-ups ... and there is enough humor ("Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees) to offset the doomed relationships and Undine's return to her natural element. It's quite a trip for those who are up for it. In theaters and On Demand June 4, 2021.

Bad... Boring... Ambitiously conceived, poorly recorded.

Come as you are, as you ... sorry for some reason I was thinking of a rock song. Which probably has nothing to do with the movie (though who am I to say what the makers of this thought or what any viewers may think when watching it). That aside, I just knew while watching it, that this is one of those movies that is prone to get awards and nominations. I would not claim that I got everything they throw at us (reality, dream and messages throughout), but I can attest to that this is very well made and will be viewed by those who really love it multiple times. There is so much to discover. And not just the extras in the background (one of whom I know personally) or even the history of Berline or its structure - although you could develop a * about the latter and I would not be surprised. So this love drama mystery has its own pace - roll with it or don't waste your time

I didn't feel any connection to the plot. It is slow and boring. I was not impressed by it.

I love this movie and this couple thay were great in transit to i wish all the best for this tow

It was my first movie in 2021 and it made me cry alot .. I loved the expressions of the actors .. i think it is the beauty secret of the movie .. i loved the way of loving and looking of each others .. the movie is a trip .. you shouldn't reach something of the end .. only enjoy the scenes and the emotions in it .. the reptition of some scenes with another emotions it was great. I love the movie so much even if it looks boring .. but it's not boring at all .. it makes space for me to see all the details with love.

Very well played by the main cast, but not necessarily deserved Golden Bear for best actress. Nice underwater shots and a warm story about love, deception, hope and destiny. Not so much a must-see and not necessarily A-festival Competition material, but enjoyable to watch.