Narciso e Goldmund

I will disregard Hesse's book and concentrate only on this film. Historical events allow an assessment of when it is set, costumes and language do not match, but that does not bother me. Narcissus and Goldmund are two boys who could not be more opposite. Narcissus is clever and has to hide his gayness, Goldmund has what today would be called street smarts, is certainly more of a flesh and blood person than the spiritualised Narcissus, but who also repeatedly holds progressive views, for example in his understanding of the image of the Virgin Mary. The friendship that emanates from Goldmund and the secret love of Narcissus could have been much more intense and not remained so much on the surface, as if they were only the occasion for a completely different story, which loses itself more in putting Jannis Niewöhner, an irresistibly sexy Goldmund, in appropriate situations where he stands naked in front of the camera time and again. Sabin Tambrea's Narcissus is pitiful in all his shame and repression, but lacks a bit of the necessary chemistry between both actors. Absolute negative moments for me were the two performances by Johannes Krisch as Goldmund's father, who, as is his way, uses every scene to detach himself from the camera and pretend to be on a theatrical stage. The direction switches back and forth between several subplots and cannot really decide what it actually wants to tell. And that is exactly the problem of this film, which sometimes wants to be a bit decadent, then again has the story of a friendship as its theme, but does not expand it strongly enough. And last but not least, some of the special effects are pretty lousy.

I have not read the novel - although some who have seen the movie and have read the novel couldn't remember it - so I don't think there is a majority of those in the know. Still I can imagine that you have some more insights if you have read where this is going. And especially how the short stories really fit into each other.

That being said, the acting is good, the costumes are good and certain elements or stories work better than others. The friendship and some sexual adventures keep things interesting too - but it is sometimes hard to keep ones focus high or entirely interested in what is going to happen next. That would or could be a good thing I reckon: you never know where this is going to go entirely ... decent movie for someone like me and maybe you, who is not aware of the source matieral.

Despite incredibly beautiful cinematography and a great story, the film is not able to transport the emotions of the original book. Some of the main cast is simply not convincing, perhaps there was not the right chemistry with the provenly talented director. Probably more enjoyable for people that don't know the book.

I read the Hesse novel fifty years ago and can no longer remember it. However, whether this beautifully photographed film adheres closely to the original text is not important. The director and his brilliant cinematographer have created a series of scenes that engage the viewer and move effortlessly to the ultimate denouement. Actors, costumes, sets, and music are perfectly combined, and the film's editor never dwells too long on a take. The religious and personal feelings expressed are relevant to different viewers of our time. This little-known film deserves a much larger international audience.

In the film, Goldmund's sculptor master tells him how he gave up the true heartfelt art for commercial success... Well, that just about sums up the character of this feature.

Hesse's original novel is not anyway an accurate representation of history, so the film version should be also free from the pressure of historical-accuracy. But the overall presentation, from costumes, make-up, production design, cinematography, and atmosphere, are too much closer to those popular quasi-fantasy costume TV serieses such as the Tudors or Merlin. It is the world viewed through the glamour filter. I mean, such an entertainment has its place, but if that was the aim of the film makers, why did they bother with Hermann Hesse? They could just opt for a fantasy story with magicians and dragon... or something like that.

It's not terrible by all means. A large scale production, OK actors, some beautiful views... But it's ultimately too kitsch to have any true impact.