Bis Gleich

German short film Bis Gleich was the closing selection for the Manhattan Short Film Festival, as well as (at 20 minutes) their longest selection. The story of an elderly duo, separated by a street but united by a common view, uses nearly every minute of extra time to develop their relationship. And the end, however predictable, is fitting and subtle in its triumph.

The camera work is nothing outside standard fare, but it is never sloppy. The production values suffer from obvious budget constraints, but the story muscles through this. Ultimately, you care not for the not-passable-as-real construction workers, gaggle of young girls or slowly devolving couple who's breakup can be witnessed in their short walk to a cab. What you care about is about are the two actors that play the rear-window gazing leads. And how touching is the writing that manages to find these two meeting?

Very strong piece, if not a tad to long.

I saw this film at the San Pedro International Film Festival. It was very well done and very touching.

Technical-wise, everything seemed up to par, especially for a short film. (I'm no expert in things like sound and design, but I will usually notice if some aspect of a film is done poorly enough.) This film seemed professionally done.

Performances were also quite strong.

I liked that the writer told a story that felt "complete" in such a short amount of time. I also liked that even though it delivers an emotional ending, it didn't feel contrived.

Very nice work!

Bravo!! I like when words are left unspoken and actions speak for themselves. This is a perfect example of a good way of life when words are unnecessary. What she did for him was so darling too. She didn't know him at all, except for the vision she had of him every morning during their routine. Then when she noticed he wasn't in his routine, she investigated. I guess he left a good impression on her. I only wish I could leave a vivid and lasting impression on someone's heart (besides a dog) some day. 8 Stars from me on this one! Very charming and memorable!

To define it as "gem" is, no doubt, the first temptation. In essence, it is a great poem about ordinary every days, about oldness and friendship, about a sort of friendship not easy to define using words, about happiness and ...ingeniosity. Admirable crafted, it represents, for each aspect, a pure delight and surce of delicate joy.

The acting in this short film could not be more perfect. These perfect faces, expressions, the body language... every moment absolutely believable and captivating. Each moment I couldn't wait to see the next. Tears. Simply beautiful.