Reviews

I had one shot to see a film a the IFFR (International Film Festival Rotterdam). As this film had a plot that looked like it might be interesting, so I went for it.

Unfortunately, it didn't take long for me to lose the plot. I will fully admit that I'm not getting too excited when I see bare hairy male bottoms and fingers endlessly exploring facial orifices without it somehow making sense. This is probably a taste thing, so opinions may vary, but I've come to the conclusion that after 50 something years on the face of this earth, I'm no fan of films that take my time by being impossible to follow and being somewhat repulsive to watch.

So, after about 30 minutes of sitting it out, I came to the conclusion it wasn't going to become any better. This was confirmed when I had to go back to get my phone after getting out on the street.

Tom Tywker takes you to this sleepy town where indeed, time moves slowly. The music is hauntingly beautiful, the characters are well thought out, the plot continues to thicken. Yes, this is not a film for this age. Everyone seems to smoke, there's rotary phones and cars run on petrol. But man, this film takes me back to my youth.

I admit, I'm a sucker for the early Tom Tywker films, I really wish he'd make something like this again. Along with Lola Rennt and Der Krieger und die Kaiserin these are German classics that at least I can watch over and over again.

If you get the opportunity, please do take the time to view this film. And with that I mean; take the time. Put away your phone or laptop and enjoy the atmosphere.

OK, so this is a film for a good cause. I missed that, so I'll revise my score to reflect this fact. It's a zero budget film.

Original review:

Sure, Waardenberg is a name you trust. Well, this steaming pile definitely violated that trust. It may be nice to see Rotterdam on film, but the totally senseless and unreal plot consisting of scenes that have been randomly put together wear out after half an hour or so.

The conclusion of the film is so ridiculous that it looks like someone put the writers out of their misery.

So sorry to see the talent in this film wasted on so many levels. Waardenberg, please get a role in a good film! This steaming pile, just looks good on the outside but is totally rotten to the bone.

Sorry to sound a bit overly negative, but the Dutch, and especially the Rotterdamse Dutch don't mince their words.

Seriously, can someone tell the actors to speak up, they were all whispering throughout the whole film.

This is the proverbial, you won't get the time back you wasted on this crap, but it's true.

Having seen Foundation which was quite likable and had a decent storyline, this series looked interesting.

As there are already more than 1500 reviews, I'll focus on the reaction that we as viewers had when we got stuck in the house in the 6th episode.

Whilst the build up was slow, it was kind of interesting as the stories of people's lives were slowly but surely unfolding. Imagine our surprise when the series turned 70s pulp horror with all clichés one can think of.

Sorry, after it ran aground again in episode 7 I called it a day. My interest was gone.

Drifted somewhat unsuspecting into this film and certainly didn't expect the effect it would have on me, nor was I prepared for it.

Having lost my father two years ago to a mix of old age and dementia Anthony Hopkins nails it, halfway through the film it hit me hard.

I'm glad I saw it though, if you have a loved one who's going through this, watch this film. It'll make you more compassionate and understanding. That was the effect it had on me anyways.

Brilliant. Thank you Sir Hopkins.

Not sure if he ever was gone, but after I saw Wintersläfer, Lola Rennt and der Krieger + die Kaiserin in the beginning of this century, I was a complete fan and eagerly awaiting worthy successors of these films.

Those successors (Perfume & the International) that I saw never were like the aforementioned films. They lacked the mesmerising surroundings, huge attention to detail and fantastic storytelling in my opinion.

But when I sat down for the first mega episode of Babylon Berlin I felt that emotion I experienced 20 years ago when first watching Tom's early work. You're constant in awe on the scenery, the characters and the story.

10+, highly recommended.