Free 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.

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!

I'm a more of a critical person when it comes to watching films, especially German films. Let's point out, that I don't watch American films! At first I thought it can give me some pleasant surprises and it did! After watching Harvest, I soon realised that the German film industry is really recovering. That's really nice! In this film we saw a DECENT storyline, with remarkable talented actors and what I favour in a film is that it was played very authentically. I don't usually give 10 out of 10, but this film WELL WORTH IT! I recommend for everyone! It wasn't another low quality, obscene, cliché film. It's one of the films you think about the other day too! Well done, for the artists, producers!

It's been awhile since I wrote last review and I'm pretty sure want to write this one. I want everybody know, gay or straight that this film is far more than just "worth watching", but I'll say this film is like one self-mirror, a reality that maybe happen in everyday life.

The acting is great, I called it natural. I really miss a good acting like this since "Weekend" in 2011 nailed it. The poster itself is really eye catching. See that poster remind me of "Brokeback Mountain".

About the script, no doubt, one of the best in 2013. It's great and I love it. I've seen some of gay theme films about gay police or gay in law enforcement environment always or mostly turn bad, but here, in "Free Fall" totally different. The director try to pull every string that guide us to see that love can be happen everywhere, even in a cocky place like police department in natural way. It's not like sexual fantasy like we used to see in porn industry, but it's drama, it's tears, it's life, it's a real drama between two man, in a right place an time love grow.

And don't really care about the ending, or the beginning, or the middle. This film tell us that love always find it's way home.

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.