Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fassbinder's Best Film, May 17, 2003
Without a doubt this is Fassbinder's best film. Many of his others are too whacked or just have poor acting and plot, but with this one he was on target. This movie provides a shattering view of what it was like for a woman in post war Germany. Often we have seen movies that show what it was like in occupied europe during or after the war, but few movies have provided what the German civilian experience was like. Fassbinder provides his usual chaotic and striking images, which can sometimes be a little odd and weird, but work well here. From the nutty marriage in the beginning to the final tragic end, this movie provides a tour-de-force of what the ruin and devastation of the war was like for Germany and its people. Hanna Schygulla is an impressive and sexy actress! Her forward style combined with her good looks makes for a fascinating combination. She lights up every scene in this movie. There are some controversial moments in this film, which considering that it was done in the 1970s are pretty avant-garde. Interracial activities may be considered standard now in US movies, but 30 years ago this was very much a taboo subject. While this only comprises a small segment of the film, we can see that Fassbinder loved to deal with this kind of forbidden fruit. There is probably a lot of German cinematic technique that I am glossing over, which a film student would go ape over. I see the movie as a social-historical epic and thus my perspective is different. On many different levels this movie has interest, but I think its portrayal of the human cost of the Second World War on the German pysche is the most revealing. Even though a people may survive a devastating conflict, the emotional scars can linger for generations. Germany is still not a complete country pyschologically today because of the legacy of Hitler and the war, even with recent unification. Hence what appears on the surface to be Germany's almost bizarre aversion toward any kind of war today, even if justified. Those who have seen holocaust films like "Schlinder's List" should compare this film to see the other side of the coin (If they can). It might certainly prove educational. You won't see this kind of movie being made in Hollywood, ever!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
MASTERPIECE, October 19, 2000
This review is from: The Marriage of Maria Braun [VHS] (VHS Tape)
An utterly shattering experience, unlike anything you have ever seen before. Fassbinder was a master of the cinematic medium, creating vibrant characters, brilliant dialogue and unforgettable images. Incredible in every way, with Hanna Schygulla in one of her best performances.If you truly love great cinema, you must see this film.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb cult movie!, March 14, 2005
This film consolidated in all the world to Rainer Werner Fassbinder. Even he had a huge number of avid viewers who knew about him by other titles. This picture became the First German Film really commercial all over the world. Hanna Schygulla shone as a real Super Nova with this complex , intelligent and crude tale.
Fassbinder interweaved a web which linked almost fifteen years of live story through the eyes of a loyal woman whom suddenly after she marries, his husband is requested to participate in the War. From that day she will wait for him, day after day until she decides to make a breakthrough with the life when the hunger and the misery slowly will surround her whole family.
The rest of the story runs for you. Magnificent script, an anthological ending who still is shocking. Indeed this was film of the famous Trilogy with Lola and Veronika Voss.
The sudden death of Fassbinder in 1982, left the German Cinema literally orphan and his place still keeps empty.
The marriage that only elapsed a day and all night long.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
