La marche de Radetzky

Impressive mini-series with Max von Sydow, Charlotte Rampling and Tilman Günther

This impressive multi-part series, which had already made headlines in advance, was shown on the German television station ARD at Christmas 1994. Director Axel Corti died suddenly and unexpectedly before filming was completed. Cameraman Gernot Roll had to take over the direction and complete the multi-part film. The famous novel by Joseph Roth, which was published in 1932, served as a model.

Using the example of the von Trotta family, the rise and fall of imperial and royal Austria (k. And k. Corresponds to Kakania!) are described. The focus is on Carl Joseph von Trotta (Tilman Günther), the grandson of the war hero von Solferino, who can no longer live up to the expectations placed on him. Much to the chagrin of his father, who is impressively played by Golden Globe winner Max von Sydow. EUROPEAN FILM AWARD winner Charlotte Rampling, Claude Rich, Julia Stemberger, Gert Voss and Friedrich von Thun can be seen in other roles.

Tilman Günther, born in Halle an der Saale in 1969, delivers an outstanding performance, seemingly effortlessly holding his own against the world stars surrounding him. Radiantly beautiful and full of melancholy, he gives the event an unforgettable face. The scenes are sensual and frightening at the same time when he is "mounted" in bed by the beautiful Catherine Slama (Elena Sofia Ricci) and on horseback by her husband, an insignificant accomplice of the Kakanian order. It's rare to see so much decadence and resigned hopelessness all at once. A sensuality that at the same time makes your blood run cold in your veins.

Definitely worth seeing! And you shouldn't miss Joseph Roth's novel either!

Radetsky March is really a sad story and yet fabulous film. I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful recreation of the pre-1918 Austro-Hungarian Empire. The acting is also superb. Much of this film is filmed in real settings such as the Hapsburg summer palace of Schoenbrunn. Tilman Gunther is simply superb in the role of Carl Joseph von Trotta und Cipolje. He is a very talented actor and shows what a versatile performer he is when having to age over a long period of time. In the role of his father is the great actor Max von Sydow. He is very much the martinet and is ideally cast as the peace loving provincial representative of the Emperor. Charlotte Rampling is also wonderful as Valerie von Taussig. She has such an incredible presence on screen and looks superb in the period costume. The actor Friedrich W. Bauschulte who portrays Kaiser Franz Josef has definitely done his research as he looks every inch the old Emperor. If you like period drama then this is not to be missed.

It is shameful that both Joseph Roth's novel and Axel Corti's film of that novel are not much better known. Additionally,. the performances down the line are first-rate with special consideration for Gert Voss' Count Chojnicki and the much underrated French actor Claude Rich as Dr. Demant.

If the era of the Habsburgs in decline is of interest, then see this miniseries if at all possible.

Lastly, Zbigniew Preisner's score is staggeringly fine. If anyone should know where one could obtain a CD of it, please do not hesitate to contact me. He is writing some of the finest film music today.;