Die Vierhändige

Sisterly love - and guilt to a degree. But a guilt most of us have never experienced in a sibling relationship. If your parents get murdered when you are young ... that will leave quite the scars. And it is exactly what happens here - it's how the movie begins quite frankly. From there we jump forward and see the girls who have grown up, but never fully overcame what happened ... can you blame them? One might or seems to have less issues than the other and there might be a reason for that.

Now there are many things that might make this true and the movie keeps you guessing, especially when it blurs line between reality and what the main character(s) see! I am not used to seeing a German thriller movie that works quite as well - is something I am used hearing and I have said it before too. But recent years have shown to those who doubt the quality (or maybe are just plain fed up with all the comedies and dramas and lack of good genre content) ... that they shouldn't! And this movie is another very fine example of that ...

This is a rather unusual film and knowing it was made in Germany makes things even more peculiar. "Four Hands" surprises with two strong lead actresses, a well written script and a fine score. The fate of the main characters has been a popular topic in other movies and was very well displayed in "Fight Club" or likely funnier in "Schizopolis". But here director/writer Oliver Kienle leads the audience onto a dirty road without any warning signs.

The story keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end of the movie. While the drama slowly unfolds, both actresses slither down in madness and engage in some brutal action scenes. The sisters' relationship is intimate but also dangerous. I found it quite tasteful that they are always peacefully connected through music.

If you like "Memento" or "High Tension" you would like this indie film just as much since it has is own niche.

Die Vierhändige/Four Hands is an accomplished, intelligent and remarkable film that keeps viewers at the edges of their seats. Twisting and turning, it engages both the senses and the mind. The story about two sisters' struggle with the death of their parents at a young age addresses themes of identity, responsibility and retaliation through genre-tropes and considerable filmmaking talent.

Die Vierhändige is the work of a technically adept filmmaker, crew and a talented cast. Writer-Director Oliver Kienle shows great skill in telling a gripping story. Through atmospheric and well-composed images (courtesy of cinematographer Yoshi Heimrath) and rhythmic montage (editor: Philipp Thomas) this thriller sets itself apart from most contemporary German films. It is closer to Scandinavian cinema or American genre-films in style and feel.

Though the subject matter is bleak at times, the film provides an authentic and comprehensible treatment of feelings of loss, love, loneliness and staying strong in a seemingly dismal situation. Furthermore it is a film with strong female lead characters, compellingly portrayed by Frida-Lovisa Hamann and Friederike Becht.

So watch it if it runs in a theater near you. If not, watch it on DVD, BluRay or VoD. I strongly recommend this film to anyone who wants to broaden their horizon regarding European and German cinema.

I saw this film as a recommendation of a friend and I am glad he did so. At first I was hesitant, because German films are mostly not my cup of tea. This one is different: It is a dark, atmospheric, effective piece of cinema, more reminiscent of Danish or Swedish crime thrillers or American Independent Cinema. The direction is on point, the performances remarkable (didn't know the lead-actresses before, now I do!), the story is simple but captivating, here and there a little twisted, without giving too much away. Especially the mood and the images stayed in my mind, after I left the screening. I'd definitely watch it again!

Wow im impressed.

Cinematography/visual imagery 10/10 Acting from both Sisters 10/10 when she turns into the other one is some realy creepy and disturbing stuff.

Loved the genre too its Thriller,Psycho-thriller,horror at times, Crime,Drama just to name a few. This movie gave me everything "Split" couldn't, hat's off to you germans this one is a gem.