En la penumbra

I really wanted to see this but know that expectations for films can be a negative momentum that might destroy the enjoyment of the movie.

So, throughout the first act I was somewhat disappointed. Altough it is indeed a devastating scenario, it felt like the movie did not trust me to feel bad enough already - dark colours, endless rain and a camera that does not dare to move away from Diane Krugers face...It annoyed me that the creation of a uncanny atmosphere felt so forced.

Yet, as the movie progressed, I was more and more amazed. The 2nd act brought in new camera work, longer, steady shots that brought stability into the images as the characters tried to find theirs. The transistion of the court speaking the sentence and Katja getting her tattoo was one of the most memorable edits I have seen in a long time. Overall the courthouse scenes had a really defined feel and setting to them, which underlined the characters strong play.

The third act made me afraid, I was expecting it to turn out like a usual "tough woman goes maverick"-thriller. Not that I don't enjoy that, I have just seen it too much and it would seem undeserving for this story. But: This isn't a Hollywood production! The character was insecure, realistic, tangible, we could not see it coming how this drama would turn out but neither could the characters - and thats how life is. At times, we have no idea how to deal with tragedy, guilt, death, we're helpless in the face of institutional justice but also do not find ways to bring justice ourselves and when we are faced with our enemies, we might even doubt if we are the right ones to judge them. Hollywood gives these big questions simple answers, this movie does not.

After a bumpy start I grew to like this a lot.

I've been a Faith Akin fan since Giegen Die Wand (Head-On)and I love his rock 'n' roll style. I knew this film was going to be depressing but it also is like a thriller towards the end, which left my heart pumping so loudly. Diane Kruger is a phenomenal actress in this, she is so believable and extreme. There are some clichés/stereotypes in the story which pull it down. I think the effect post-film, was very strong and I couldn't escape fast enough, it was so tense and terrifying.

The theme is more than delicate. The story is solide constructed. And Diane Kruger gives more than a good work. A German woman, her Turkish husband, their son.. An a Nazi couple. A murder. A trial. And a revenge. More important - the nuances defining the aspects of tragedy. A good director, using in fine manner , his inspiration and skills. The result - an admirable work. As inspired use of a plot who is so familiar to action films, in a wise manner.

Fatih Akin doesn't need to prove he knows how to direct or that he is a capable director. But if you need another example here it is. One might say he gets back to his roots or rather his first film somewhat with this. But with the spin that he concentrates on the female perspective. You could also argue that the male might come from that world he created with his first movie (which some may argue is his "Mean Streets" - except he didn't stay in that genre).

Diane Kruger is really exceptional in this and very close to real life. So you won't see any over the top and unbelievable stuff happening here. And it all leads to an ending that will either satisfy you or leave quite empty and maybe annoyed. It is tough to please everyone of course, but if you like slow burning drama with thriller elements in it, this is really good. Devastating and painful, but good ...

There isn't much I can say about this film that hasn't already been said.

The acting is superb, the story keeps you engaged right to the end and is tight from start to finish.

A refreshing change from the deluge of American factory drama.