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Know right from the start that NO PLACE TO GO is definitely NOT the kind of film likely to have a lot of appeal to most western filmgoers. And if you're looking for "the feel-good film of the year," THIS ISN'T IT! It's a hard-hitting tragedy, the type of film that Hollywood greenlighters can't reject FAST enough.

The film is based on the late stages of the life of director Oskar Roehler's mother, prominent German novelist (and devout Leninist) Giseta Elsner. The story begins with the fall of the Berlin wall and the end of Communism in Germany -- events that sent her personal and professional life into a tailspin (her novels had always sold better in communist East Germany than in her native West). She comes across uncannily as a real-life Norma Desmond (from SUNSET BOULEVARD) -- a self-indulgent once-prominent woman with garish tastes who is fighting a losing battle with a major mid-life crisis. For Desmond, the advent of talking pictures meant no roles to play; for Giseta Elsner, the fall of East Germany meant -- no place to go. She tried resettling in the new Berlin, but found herself to be an anachronism who just didn't fit in at all.

Hannelore Elsner (no relation to the real-life character) gives a performance that's every bit as convincing as Gloria Swanson's was as Desmond. And if you're a fan of black-and-white cinematography, I can't recommend Haden Bodganski's work here highly enough (it'll NEVER survive the transition to the small screen, trust me). Like I said, the film is definitely not for everyone, but it's one that I plan to tell a couple of film scholars with whom I have occasional contact with to check out.

The premise of this movie is a little silly, that a spoiled 50 year old Leninist writer living in West Germany finds her life unraveling due to the fact that the Berlin Wall has just come down. It's a little far fetched, but not entirely unbelievable. Like the flip side of "it's an ill wind", in this case it would be "it's a rare wind that doesn't blow somebody ill".

And I suppose it's pretty obvious that Hanna Flanders is meant to represent and symbolize the badly faded beauty of communism. But this didn't have much resonance for me.

All that political stuff aside, this was an extremely episodic movie. And unfortunately, most of the episodes just fell flat. One or two were engaging, and one, the one involving her spending the night with her horribly alcoholic ex-husband, was both pointless and extremely ugly, almost unwatchable.

The upside is that this was an extremely well crafted movie, apart from the screenplay. The cinematography, acting, directing, were all first rate. It's a pity they were wasted on a screenplay that was as cold, flat and ugly as the old regime it was directed against.

Another positive aspect is that the whole syndrome/complex of someone trying to use drugs to cope with reality and maintain an emotional equilibrium was well observed. And the fact that it was someone who should know better, an intelligent middle aged woman, was also useful. As shallow and self centered as Hanna is, I still felt some pity for her as a fellow human being.

Exposed by openness- as depicted by the collapse of the wall. High minded Marxist and high life beneficiary travels west but is rejected as a fake. Returning east the same fate befalls her, travelling back and forth she descends into madness as her rejections mount.Degraded and rejected by the east and west

Some brilliant depictions of humiliation as she tries to return a posh coat to a exclusive shop only to be told no

The acting is magnificent from Hannelore Elsner It's shot in black and white which adds to the power of the story

A brilliant and harrowing tale perhaps too inevitable in it's outcome but the chain smoking makes up for that

The movie is a master piece of German arthouse. Outstandig cast. A very strong and touchy story. It represents the situation in recent Germany after the fall of the wall. The German actress Hannelore Elsner shows that she is one of the best character actresses of these days.

"Die Unberührbare" simply is a wonderful movie! It has everything that a movie should offer: a demanding story, beautiful pictures and photography and most of all great actors!

Hannelore Elsner plays the role of Hanna Flanders with so much beauty, honesty, truthfulness and heart - it is just amazing to watch her. With this performance she joins other great actresses like Vivien Leigh or Elizabeth Taylor who can touch you and impress you by playing daring and honestly.

Everybody who likes intelligent, tragic dramas and loves stunning acting performances should definitely watch this movie! It is just great!!