Surprisingly well-made
Engaging and stylish, moody at times. Great music and cinematography. Convincing performances all around.
Ultimately, however, the story fails to chew what it bites off in the first three thirds of the film, and the wrap seems a bit rushed. Not "Let's slap a Hollywood-happy ending on this" rushed, more like "Oops, we painted ourselves into a corner and getting out would take time, so let's just blunder out the way we just painted" rushed.
I haven't read Reuter's novel, so I can't say if it's faithful, but then, I never cared much for him anyway. Kim Fupz Aakeson writes much better and funnier stories.
Ultimately, however, the story fails to chew what it bites off in the first three thirds of the film, and the wrap seems a bit rushed. Not "Let's slap a Hollywood-happy ending on this" rushed, more like "Oops, we painted ourselves into a corner and getting out would take time, so let's just blunder out the way we just painted" rushed.
I haven't read Reuter's novel, so I can't say if it's faithful, but then, I never cared much for him anyway. Kim Fupz Aakeson writes much better and funnier stories.
- BennyM
- Sep 30, 2003