DVD Review - Requiem
This gripping German film, based on a true story, was expertly directed by Hans-Christian Schmid and written by Bernd Lange.
21 year old Michaela Klingler (Sandra Huller) is plagued by epilepsy. Michaela is a devout Catholic and most of her troubles seem to come from the fact that she can no longer pray. Every time she tries to she has a seizure. This leads her to believe that she is possessed by evil spirits.
Despite their reluctance and worry Michaela's mother (Imogen Kogge) and father (Burghat Klubner) allow her to attend an out of town college. There she renews her friendship with an old classmate Hanna (Anna Bloomier). She also forms a romantic relationship with fellow student Stefan (Nicholas Reinke). But before long things start to crumble for Michaela.
The film is very realistic. It questions both the validity of both science and religion. After all, the doctors don't seem to be able to help Michaela and religion made things even worse.
However, the highlight of the film is Huller's outstanding performance. She was nothing short of sensational. Never for one moment did you feel that she was acting. She felt like a real flesh and blood person who was suffering greatly. I can't wait to see what she does in the future.
Requiem had a small release in 2006 and it got very favorable reviews. But it didn't play very long in the theaters. I guess many people do not want to see this type of film. But for those of you who want to see a great example of international cinema I highly recommend that you rent Requiem. You won't be sorry that you did.
21 year old Michaela Klingler (Sandra Huller) is plagued by epilepsy. Michaela is a devout Catholic and most of her troubles seem to come from the fact that she can no longer pray. Every time she tries to she has a seizure. This leads her to believe that she is possessed by evil spirits.
Despite their reluctance and worry Michaela's mother (Imogen Kogge) and father (Burghat Klubner) allow her to attend an out of town college. There she renews her friendship with an old classmate Hanna (Anna Bloomier). She also forms a romantic relationship with fellow student Stefan (Nicholas Reinke). But before long things start to crumble for Michaela.
The film is very realistic. It questions both the validity of both science and religion. After all, the doctors don't seem to be able to help Michaela and religion made things even worse.
However, the highlight of the film is Huller's outstanding performance. She was nothing short of sensational. Never for one moment did you feel that she was acting. She felt like a real flesh and blood person who was suffering greatly. I can't wait to see what she does in the future.
Requiem had a small release in 2006 and it got very favorable reviews. But it didn't play very long in the theaters. I guess many people do not want to see this type of film. But for those of you who want to see a great example of international cinema I highly recommend that you rent Requiem. You won't be sorry that you did.
posted by Film Fanatic | 7:44 PM
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