Paradise

I see there are a lot of mixed reviews for this German sci-fi, from people that didn't get it to people that found it clever. Count me in the people that enjoyed this movie, and so did my wife. I thought the plot was interesting, certainly food for thought. The only thing that could have been a bit better was the acting from certain actors but overall it was all pretty decent. I didn't think the plot was complicated at all so I don't get what others didn't understand about the story. The lesson of the movie is don't do to others what you don't want others do to you. If everybody would think about that a bit more, life on earth would be so much better.

No pun intended - actually one might say puns. But let's not get ahead of ourselves! What is life or a movie if we skip stuff - if we are made to fast forward? Or go back? Time and age wise! There are a lot of questions the movie is asking - very obvious ones (should we sacrifice so called regular folk to enrich our culture with geniuess? Make them live longer?) ... but I would argue that it doesn't really answer them ... it does go off into different directions.

That all being said, this is an intriguing concept ... try not to get hung up on ... well technicalities (again sorry for the pun). This is meant to be ... well meant to be entertainment first, while also giving you food for thought. What would you do? And does every technology benefit the rich? Who can be deemed ... well unnecessary? Isn't every life worth something? Still if someone would want to give away ... there is a whole bag of issues there. One being that person may change their mind ... no backsies I assume.

I like that the filmmakers took a chance and went for it. With Kostja they have a very charismatic lead ... he walks a very line about what he wants, about being a fighter for justice ... and trying to handle what his significant other may want ... all the while playing god of sorts ... there are many twists and turns ... some make more some make less sense ... just suspend your disbelief ...

I think that Germany is a step ahead here in Europe, lots of European production such as the French one or the Italian one are still attached at the old way of doing cinema, such as Nouvelle vague or Neorealism, Germany during these last few years has demonstrated that has a lot to offer, Dark, Kleo, 1989 and now Paradise. It was not a perfect movie, but it was not predictable and it perfectly show how fragile human nature is and how humans way of thinking can change.

The main protagonist really did an amazing job, his character is very well written like the rest of the script. I wouldn't mind if they do a sequel to this movie. If you liked In time, you'll definitely like this one!

This is a German Sci-Fi film based around the premise that scientists have determined a way to not just extend your life, but buy back your youth. The catch is that your time is coming directly from someone who is DNA compatible with you (I.e. Relatives make a good match and certain ethnic backgrounds are underrepresented). The company who has developed this technology is run like a massive biotech that has Apple like meetings where awards like salesperson of the year are awarded...but the real reason people attend is to hear the CEO speak, a Olivia Theissen. The recipient of the best salesperson award is Max, who we follow throughout the film.

In essence the film is almost a de-evolution of Max's beliefs. In the beginning he is very pro-company and really believes in what they are doing in the most altruistic sense, which is part of what makes him a great salesperson...visiting refugees in a refugee camp and convincing young refugees to donate just 5-10 years for the money to help their entire families immigrate. When his doctor wife is forced to give up 40 years after their home is burnt down...he starts to see things from a different perspective. Meanwhile there is an activist group who believes so strongly against this company and it's practices that they are willing to commit violent crimes like murder.

Interesting from a psychological perspective, I enjoyed this German Sci-fi film...not as much as I enjoyed the Dark series, but I did enjoy it. I think sci-fi fans will think it is a worthy watch, so it gets my recommendation.

My review is based on watching it in it's original German language with English subtitles.

I loved the issues brought up and how it used a Sci-fi concept to highlight them, and it had some lovely details; but I think it had a bit of a slow build up. Like I feel the pacing of the film would have made an excellent TV series.

I do feel like the concept and the things brought up were very interesting. I also felt there were a lot of side characters who seemed like they had a very interesting stories to tell that were barely touched on.

It was overall interesting, and enjoyable it just had more to give. And I think the film suffered a tiny bit because of that. It was clearly a very well thought out concept.