Le second éveil

Just how worth it is committing a crime for short term gain? Done with the best intentions, Christa Klages eventually finds that short term gains lead to devastating long term losses. A crime is still a crime regardless of pure intentions, as usually an attempt to unvictimize certain people in this way finds others being victimized. Christa and her associates are complex characters, that despite the pure honest goodness they exhibit, they still somehow had it in them to commit a powerful robbery. The camera-work is subtle but the interesting locations and angles from which the film is shot are stunning and vibrant.

At the end, we're not quite sure what to think. She's let off for her crimes but we will never know if she has ever truly learned her lesson or understands the complications that arises from a crime such as this. My first von Trotta and probably the first of many.

The Second Awakening of Christa Kalges is a great little film about the practical and moral implications of a righteous rebellion. The film is set against the aftermath of a bank robbery perpetrated by three well-meaning people trying to fund a kindergarten--a compelling premise well-executed. The female leads all do solid work, and the writing is subtle and intelligent, slowly revealing the ethical and emotional triggers behind the robbery. Our characters face difficulty not only in avoiding arrest but in routing the money to its proper place; a realistic view of the difficulty inherent in upsetting our systems, no matter how noble one's intentions. Ultimately though, the film is truthful not only in its realist pessimism but in the potential it illustrates for optimism as well: informed, compassionate individuals can unravel the punishing forces above us so long as we recognize our agency and choose not to participate. For its writing, its characters, and above all its ideas, The Second Awakening of Christa Kalges comes recommended highly. -TK 10/18/10