Falsche Bewegung (1975)

 

 

A writer goes on a road trip across West Germany with a group of eclectic people he meets along the way.

Another Wenders/Handke collaboration, in this case loosely adapting a Goethe novel, realized with a German star cast (of the time), paints a grim and pessimistic (and at times surreal) portrayal of human society.
 

Maltin**1/2: "Overly metaphorical (but occasionally worthwhile) tale..." 

 

 

Anastasia (1956)

An opportunistic Russian businessman tries to pass a mysterious impostor as the Grand Duchess Anastasia. But she is so convincing in her performance that even the biggest skeptics believe her.

Well-produced Hollywood entertainment, typically without any sense for historical accuracy, works due to its excellent cast, but does have some over-the-top melodramatic moments.

Halliwell**: "Slick, highly theatrical entertainment for the upper classes; it dazzles and satisfies without drawing any light on history."

Maltin****: "Inspired casting makes this film exceptional...High point: confrontation scene in which Hayes as grand duchess must determine if girl is her relative." 

Die Ehe der Maria Braun (1979)

A World War II widow seeks to adjust to life in postwar Germany.

From memory: Excellently produced  movie mirrors post-war Germany and its immorality in the fate of a singular woman; good to look at on the screen and a great vehicle to showcase Hanna Schygulla's talent.

Halliwell*: "A mixture of solemnity and irony which keeps its basic points well concealed but, despite a sometimes flagging pace, more or less consistently entertains the eye."

Maltin***1/2: "Schygulla shines in the Joan Crawfordesque role...Riveting..."

Lola (1981)

In post-war West Germany, the charming Von Bohm is appointed a city's new Building Commissioner, but his morality is tested when he unknowingly falls in love with a brothel worker, Lola, the paid mistress of a corrupt property developer.

From memory: Excellently produced, unusually stylized, but not quite original tale with a cast of Germany's foremost actors is at best when recreating the post-war atmosphere.

Halliwell*: "Blue Angel country is the setting for this over-predictable fable from a director whose films always have interest."

Maltin***1/2: "Brilliantly directed and edited chronicle...Striking, unusual use of lighting and color."