Young Goethe in Love

Young Goethe soars with exquisite cinematography. Alexander Fehling (Inglorious Basterds) and Miriam Stein offer two charismatic performances in a delightful story about first love. Fehling plays Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a famous German poet, who nearly quits before his breakthrough work. Fans of Bright Star and Pride & Prejudice will find enjoyment in this spitfire romantic tale. It's one of my favorite movies of the year and the musical score accentuates its beauty.

Now playing in select theaters.




Official Site: www.younggoetheinlove.com

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Point of View

Point of View is a German short film about two people who cross paths in Berlin. Quiet in tone, subtle, Nils Struven crafts a story that feels longer than its 11 minutes, but in a good way. The short offers pleasing cinematography including bicycles rides, views of the city and lingering shots on the two leads (who are fascinating enough to make me want more of their backstory). The filmmakers label it as a "no budget film project" but if this what they can do with next to nothing, I can only imagine how they'd impress with a sizable starting pot.

Strandgut Film is officially on my radar...

Official Site: www.strandgut-film-berlin.de

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German Currents (New Films From Germany)

Tonight marks the opening of the 2010 German Currents Film Festival in Los Angeles. They'll be showcasing the German submission for the Oscars called When We Leave about "a woman trapped in an abusive relationship, who must not only free herself from that marriage, but also from cultural prejudices and judgements."  The festival runs October 20 - 24th and will be screening several German produced films.

For more info visit their website. 

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Head-On (Gegen Die Wand)

Head-On is gritty in all the right ways. Sibel Kekilli and Birol Unel make their characters come alive with bad habits, fast-living and crazy romance. Set in Germany, two people meet in a hospital and decide to get married as way to escape their current despair. Cahit (Unel) has no sense of purpose, he drinks and cleans up trash at a bar while Sibel (Kekilli) is smothered by the traditions of her Turkish family. Together they embark on a journey that leads them down an unexpected path.

If you're a fan of Leaving Las Vegas and Crazy Heart then you'll enjoy this film. Head-On lives up to its title, it pins you down with its rawness.

Available on Netflix.

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