Die Vierhändige

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!

Normally I'm not the genre-film-type, but the premise of this film sounded intriguing--also, I like stories with strong/tough female characters. My expectations weren't that high, though I'm open for surprises. And, boy, was I blown away! The actresses are fantastic, the screenplay is well written and effectively executed. The suspense builds early on and never let's off until the final nail-biting minutes. You never know what to expect from the next scene, you'll be surprised, thrilled and totally engaged in the story. I would recommend this film to anyone with a taste for genre-fare, thrillers, or fine cinema in general. As a woman I'm especially excited that 'Die Vierhändige' centers on strong female protagonists and doesn't shy away from bending the gender-rules in cinema. At least a little bit. Just watch it!

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 at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and was pleasantly surprised. 'Four Hands' is a nice piece of well-made cinema, riveting, gripping and surprising. I wouldn't consider myself a genre-aficionado but I'm always open for a thriller or crime-film that surpasses the norm. This film avoids the standard formula in that it tells a genuine, uncompromising story, while it nods elegantly to other movies of the same vein without copying them. There are familiar motives and characterizations the audience will recognize and relate to: a revenge plot, existential fear, identity conflict, a whodunit--though writer/director Oliver Kienle knows how to bend expectations while telling a compelling story. Every other scene there's a nice twist or innovative idea that keeps the engine running and the audience on the edge of their seats. Although 'Four Hands' doesn't reinvent the wheel it is without question one of the best films I saw in a while.

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.