Freier Fall

Although one is initially alerted to the possible use of the police academy setting to metaphorically delineate some of the dynamics present in a society's norms as part of its imposed conditioning (the training academy especially implying a sense of regimentation), this very well-made film actually registers most of its concerns in a low-key manner, allowing some indirection to come through the proceedings by giving enough space for subtler impressions and meaning.

Apparently, many viewers want to characterize the film's subject in terms of a conflicted choice between heterosexuality and homosexuality, which makes about as much sense as merely portraying its content as the treatment of a love triangle; it reveals a rather limited level of engagement and even suggests that such issues are far from politically resolved in their minds. But while the storyline could be read on the surface for perplexing issues around self-identity, sexual or otherwise, it is ultimately about someone who gradually allows himself the freedom to experience not only different ways of loving others, but also the vital ways in which life actually unfolds in a broader sense, beyond the difficulties of imposed human limitations.

The courage of Lacant's film lies in its delineation of what life is like when one truly begins to negotiate one's freedom by opening up fully to the presence of ambiguity and not knowing - entering into the "free fall" of the title - and going beyond limited distinctions, to find and live out what is actually true from moment to moment. A Taoist expression comes to mind as one follows Marc's trajectory into his own realm of truth: the more free you are, the more unpredictable you become.

Which asks us all: can you live out your truth in this most uncompromising way? Or, can you live with someone who is? What does freedom look like in a world full of all the shoulds and musts which we and others continually wish to impose upon ourselves? Marc begins to show us as he learns to submit to his own free-fall - which is no less than remaining open and vulnerable to whatever is transpiring.

The performances are excellent throughout, although working from a carefully written script which tends to deliberately tailor the depth of all the other characters beside Marc. Thus, while in the end Kai shows up as little more than a catalyst for Marc's awakening and perhaps generating our wish for a bit more character development, it is really Marc's story after all, and we are meant to inhabit the film's shades of meaning by traveling through his experiences from his vantage point.

It could be said that in a society no longer concerned with an immature sense of morality or inadequate ethics, Marc would both be able to bear a child with a woman as well as express the love he might feel for another man, if he is so inclined. But Marc, like the rest of us, is born in time, and therefore occupies a certain karmic status, posited by the complexity of circumstances… and the way to the truth is largely through one's karma.

Although we humans are still somewhat tribal and limited beings, whose sense of freedom is defined and grounded in our very limitations, the film nonetheless demonstrates in its closing statement that we can only live meaningfully by choosing from our own freedom - and thus encountering the possibility of a real and lived life, beyond all expectations - if we assume the courage to do so… a courage exemplified by director Lacant in this direct and honest film.

I just saw this film and I thought it was a beautiful film. It is a fresh breath of air especially in USA where there are not too many good indie films being released. Seems like Hollywood just want to make 100 million dollar films with no heart. Of course, "Free Fall" had a heart in this film and it touches you inside. The cinematography was exceptional and truly captured the emotional state of the characters as well as the flow of the film. The director was able to get excellent performances from the actors which were very talented and put their heart into each character. It was a very well cast film. The two men in love were so real. They were masculine men just dealing with their emotions and trying to find who they were. Marc (Hanno Koffler) was a very believable character who was torn between his girlfriend, new baby and his true feelings for another man. Yes any parents would react this way when they have to deal with the sexuality of their son with a family. I liked that the director did not go too much into the life story of the lover Kay (Max Riemelt- look out for this guy) as it left me thinking about him and enjoying the friendship and bond between two men. It can happen to many men and it happens all the time.

This film is not a cliché. No movie gave me hope and took it right away leaving just expectations behind like this one did.

Once the love between two beautifully interpreted characters begins, one is immersed in the struggle they're into because of their feelings. Max Riemelt completely nailed it, his character (Kay) seems to have found the true Marc(Hanno Koffler)by giving himself to him. I can agree that this is "the German answer to Brokeback Mountain" but it lacks at exposing the whole life of the characters, you just can imagine where they come from and how did they get to where they are.

Between other things, the sound was impeccable, it makes you feel very closely to the moment and the feelings surrounding a scene. The costume design was a little bit stiff but you can easily see that the characters are going trough a routine and they are completely changed when they are not in regular situations. Also, the locations were beautiful without being very detailed.

It is focused on the fight generated by love and the consequences of the choices you make while you are trying to define yourself.

Superbly shot, great dialogue, Overall, amazing cinema. Stephan Lacant – Genius.

The Film Stars Max Riemelt (Kay) as a young Police officer. A Stunningly Handsome character with a Striking Face. Cheeky, playful, lovable Kay. This is the kind of platonic (or otherwise) Best Buddy many men would like, regardless of sexuality. This film shows Riemelt with his best look yet.

After some initial brushes, Kay becomes friends with Marc (Hanno Koffler). A fellow Officer training at the academy. Marc a married man who is expecting a baby with his Wife Bettina (Katharina Schüttler). Eventually, Kay after a few flirty, maybe cheeky stunts, initially pushed aside as a "Joke" and a slight rebuff. Kay engages Marc in a an brief sexual encounter whilst out jogging.

It is hard to say more without giving the plot away. But it is not long before things progress.

Kay, whilst playing the passive character in this movie. He is the stronger of the two, who remains defiant and strong, the harder, better man. This, despite his loneliness, the rejection and aggression towards him. Meanwhile Marc struggles with his sexuality, feelings and family commitments. He deals with a separate set of emotional, anxious and eventual acceptances. Not forgetting bigotry that both men have to cope with.

The film portrays a very real scenario. Situations that many people have or may find them in. Whether this be due to suppression of feelings, peer or family pressure. Watch the film, consider those you know and love. Then think! about it, that is the kind of movie this is. Not Arty or overly intellectual but very, very well scripted.

All the actors play their roles well in this Movie. But it is obviously the two male leads that steal the limelight. Max's incredible looks and Handsome Hanno's rebuffs and reluctant start that turns into a happy, sexy swagger in his role.

Please do watch this film with an open mind. The Sexual scenes are very well shot and far from seedy. The performances are outstanding. This is acting at its best, real life, gritty. The chemistry between them is electric. The looks and body language is just as you would expect in real life.

I can't really put this into any one Genre of film. I cannot understand why it is in "Gay & Lesbian" sections either. This is a film that can be watched by all adults of any sexuality, intellectual level or background. But in order to enjoy and understand it, you might need a certain amount of understanding and acceptance.

This is a movie that had my emotions up-down and all over, hairs raised, a kick in the guts, mixed thoughts. The works. I watched a couple of scenes to listen to the true spoken German Grammar. As one or two of the subtitles were amiss.

I found this to be one of the best films I have ever watched. Whether or not you are happy with the ending is another matter.

In Words: Powerful - Stunning – Captivating – Thrilling – Sadness – Happiness – Gritty – Enamour – Drawing – Sensual & Emotional.

I would say there could never be Freier Fall II, too tacky. But the actors could command a fortune for "Kollision Wege".........or you choose a title?.

A credit to all the cast and Crew – Thank You.

ENJOY!

There's one review here that says that the movie is boring. In my opinion it is not, it just gets boring at certain point. I think there are indeed limitations with the story which could have been solved by letting us know a little bit more of Kay. I think that would have been the best solution since the alternative was letting us hear what Borgmann was feeling, his struggle…which would have been a cheap resource. I don't agree with the commenter that does not understand why it is so hard for this man in this day and age to accept his sexuality. There are many factors and his parents' reaction works as a way to let us know what might be holding him back.

The weakness of the movie lies in the fact that it starts showing us something that we have seen many times before. At least the ending was satisfying, was simple and real.