In weiter Ferne, so nah! (1993)

 

 

 

A group of angels in the German capital look longingly upon the life of humans.

A typical Wenders product, one step down from Der Himmel über Berlin: beautiful cinematography and a few brilliant moments, but the tale is full of pretensions and indigestive sentimentality and the performances are variable (although Otto Sanders is excellent).

Halliwell*: "A bungled and often sentimental sequel to Wings of Desire which suddenly switches into a confused thriller about arms dealing; it does have some superlative moments, but not enough."

 Maltin**1/2: "The perfect Wenders cast (if not the perfect Wenders movie)...Lighter going than its predecessor, but also more lightweight; it's still a borderline ordeal in the beginning and final segments..."

 

 

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..." 

 

 

Die bleierne Zeit (1981)

Two sisters both fight for women's rights. Juliane is a journalist and Marianne a terrorist. When Marianne is jailed, Juliane feels obligated to help her despite their differing views on how to live.

Intense and affecting analysis of the sisters' relationship which also reflects important political issues in Germany at the time; the cast is excellent.

Halliwell*: "...this is a suppositional account of how two well-brought- up girls can develop so differently."

Maltin***1/2: "Profound, multileveled, and memorable chronicle...Superbly acted, a must-see."