German Film Series

Directed by Chris Kraus; with Monica Bleibtreu (1944 - 2009), Hannah Herzsprung, the sublime Grande Dame of German Theater and Cinema in her, unfortunately, last role, and, an incredible performance by this young actress who has won several acting awards for this film. As you will see, you ll certainly understand why. Four Minutes is a rarity in contemporary cinema because it takes the passion and talent of its characters seriously. The film freely takes flight in pure moments of cinema that tell us more about the characters and their thoughts than traditionally structured expository and effect oriented scenes. If you have Four Minutes (110 , actually) to spare, take time for this classy film that is among the best of the best of the now New German Cinema. In the film s best moments, there is an energy at work that can only be called magnificent. Although, admittedly, some scenes are clearly unrealistic, maybe even kitschy or cliché, nevertheless, there are aspects of Genius in that film as it is literally defined: the act of moving with a higher, purer spirit, one that elevates and redeems narrative and character alike.

(All films in German with English language subtitles)