3

.....strangely philosophical and sometimes wondrous take on the Lives & Loves of men and women in today's world. BUT, hold on a sec...hasn't the behavior being shown to us likely EVER been so....even in humankind's earliest days, in the dark protectiveness of caves? ....Well, whether that is the case or not--right now--today, a most perceptive Director of Film (Tom Tykwer) is giving us a stripped bare view into the lives of 2 Men and 1 Woman....the "3" making up this proverbial TRIANGLE. So, Dear Viewer, you need only sit back...relax...then watch and see: ....Their discovery, first, of love with one another---then, finally, their reaching a loving-union of the "3".

I cannot tell you that the Male-Female Hook-up (can we call it "illicit") being shown us is any differently played out than in 100s of movie stories which have come before. BUT...on the other hand, and strikingly so...it is in the Male / Male "Connection" where you will find the Difference in this film. For in a mainstream production such as this, rarely will you ever see shown Physically Realistic (and Tender) lovemaking between 2 men....presented in such a forthright manner. Devid Striesow ("Adam") and Sebastian Schipper ("Simon") absolutely "ZING" in their scenes together. The word, Hot, does not describe it; though if written as HOT, perhaps it begins to do so. (WORD OF ADVICE: Director Tykwer's use of "split screen" techniques throughout, sometimes showing 4 to 6 activities occurring in one scene/shot, makes some of the "HOT actions" a bit difficult to follow and fully enjoy. Better you watch on video....rather than in the theater.)

As to this movie's performers and their abilities, these "3" actors are highly competent and experienced (extensive film histories)....though perhaps not at the level of paparazzi-pursued, top tier German celebs. YET, what they truly give to us is BELIEVABILITY....bringing viewers to the point of SUDDENLY realizing their characters' origin: ....Perhaps from Earth's First Garden---but here, in our world today, we are being given a "Hanna"....a "Simon"....and, most especially, "The Enticer". So, this Enticer; what can be said about him? Well, maybe just this, Reader Mine: ....When your self-image is at its lowest...and your need to be desired is at its highest.....just stop and look around you. HE's out there, close by....waiting, waiting to enfold you in Tenderness and Excitement. Waiting to make the rest of your life its Happiest.

I'll say Goodbye to you now...upon leaving this Garden of "3". And concede that this story may contain instances of over-dramatized familial and midlife crises---not to mention startling images of a male medical procedure. Nevertheless, this is a work which I will be re-watching on a somewhat regular basis---concentrating on the Male / Male action, of course. (Uh..oh).

PS: For those interested, see the excellent Devid Striesow in the very good and "gay-tinged" 2004 film production: "BEFORE THE FALL". That is, IF you can find it available as a rental; used DVD copies are going for a high price. Oh, and for something very "different"...but very well done (in a "straight" love story mode), try Tykwer's 2002 "HEAVEN" (Cate Blanchett). You, likely, will not be sorry.

****

It is obvious that Hanna and Simon, as a couple, have reached the steady state of true love, a deep true love. But it is a steady state... probably too steady. So when each other, separately, meets the handsome Adam, they re-discover passion.

It is a slow movie as we have to discover how the characters are feeling lonely without actually expressing it. Hanna and Simon are a couple but they feel lonely each other. They both meet Adam, on different circumstances, and feel attracted to him. It is true that Adam has everything for him: he is good-looking, he practices some sports, go out, have casual sex... but at the end of the day, he is still lonely. As a proof, his apartment looks like a hospital room.

This movie is about joining each other's loneliness to build a true relationship. But how does it happen? That is the interesting part.

An extremely playful and sensitive, a very funny and very political movie. The story of a couple falling in love with the same man serves as a surface to discuss fundamental themes of our time: the biological and the ethical side of human life, the determinist way we still see our sexuality and gender, the ways in which we define our selves in a time with shifting foundations, the chance of love in a society with almost no boundaries. The extraordinary performance of the three main characters meet a style of directing that is not afraid of unconventional ideas, like for example a metaphorical dance scene in a white space by Sasha Walz in the beginning or a short scene of a sundown with funny music, which seams completely out of context, but is instantly commented with a laughter in the audience. But aside from being entertaining and intelligent, it also invokes a kind of sexual utopia: it encourages us, to see our sexuality, our love, our gender and ourselves in a more tolerant, open and free way.

This is, without a doubt, the best German movie i have seen in years.

Acting is very passable, it's just the storyline that in so many instances is just totally fairytale unbelievable. Pick one of several premises outlined in this film.. the leaps of faith to get them anywhere near believable are absolutely huge... this just ain't never gonna happen the way they're portraying it. This really has the style feel of a Hollywood version of the storyline.. but made in Germany. Watched it once a while back, recently viewed again.. feel exactly the same. You like the idea.. it's just the reality that's making little sense. So should you just want to throw logic and common sense out the window, then this movie will get you there.

Unusual and, at the same time, uplifting story. Great acting and a well-directed movie. I am not sure if everyone who watched it will be touched in the same way I was, but -if people can overcome their stereotypes and simply enjoy the film- it will leave them with positive feelings and make them reflect on it long after the ending credits have rolled up. The story is not about your typical next door married couple that enters their middle-age era with all its fears, frustrations, joys, sorrows and life-changing truths. It is that same story but with an unexpected twist and a touching end. I am a happy gay man in a stable civil partnership. After a long period of a loving, monogamous and joyful 'marriage' we stepped into the same twilight zone of middle age, which evoked many questions, doubts and ridiculous thoughts. At the same time, and by some strange twist of fate, we met our Adam in real life and both developed feelings for him. Ever since we live in our own ménage à trios, which gives us many happy moments, pleasures and helps us to re-discovered ourselves.

One reviewer described it as painfully slow and full of empty self importance. I would say that Tom Tykwer cleverly combined some scenes without dialogue -but with much deeper meaning- with other elements that are very dynamic, colorful, erotically-charged or simply entertaining. The soundtrack gives it a perfect final touch. Brilliant photography.

If people think that they will miraculously skip their middle age in life, they should avoid this movie. Since that is biologically impossible -- watch the movie and you may learn something about the most fundamental issues that life brings half way down the road. Highly recommended!