Agência do Amor

This is kind of romantic comedy that tries to make fun of other romantic comedies. OK, we have had several like this one.

The initial idea was very good, the actors are competent enough, the views are great.

However, at some point we feel like this story is never going to end. Maybe the problem was too much parallel stories. O know this is a technique used successfully by many movies. But here it doesn't work so well. Besides the female main character patients, there is also the woman's daughter and the guy that lives with the male main character.

If you hold until the end, it will not be a total waste of time.

Dull. Bland. Without any flavour. The film drags like chewing gum and is simply boring. Somehow Netflix (Germany) at least wanted to make interesting and different films than the other networks. My God, what a flop this story is. It hurts to watch the film. I saved myself the last 30 minutes. Come to think of it, the film was produced by the mighty UFA Productions. Sometimes they do stand for smart and innovative movies. Not this time. A movie so easily forgotten.

The director Shirel Peleg made the total opposite of this drag a couple of years ago, with a smart comedy. "Kiss Me Kosher!" check this one out if you can.

I loved it. Lots of interesting characters and endearing quirkiness, and it was beautifully shot. I wasn't sure what to expect but I will now look out for more such German language films - this and Faraway (also on Netflix) are both charming. It showed the journey for both lead characters from heartbreak and cynicism to vulnerability and love. Karl and Maria are strong, intelligent and likeable. And attractive. And you are rooting for them. It wasn't cheesy or predictable (although there is room for those kinds of romantic comedies too). It was sweet and funny and it was a lovely way to spend the afternoon. It left me smiling.