The culture industry has suffered as a result of the corona pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. The cinemas not only had to forego the popcorn revenues, but also the major releases of James Bond and various Marvel films. The future of many cinemas is at risk. Nevertheless, there were films that made the 2020 cinema year a special one, and not just because of the pandemic. Streaming services also released unique in-house productions over the course of the year. Here are five films with a German theatrical release in the grotesque cinema year 2020 that you should definitely see.
Da 5 Bloods
Trigger Warning: This film contains from the first minute footage of extreme and real violence from the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement in the United States of America.
Four African American Vietnam veterans are heading back to Vietnam in 2020. They are supposed to recover the remains of their then leader and bring them back to the USA. However, there is a secret second plan: In the same place, they hid CIA gold that they want to smuggle into their homeland. Thus begins an odyssey in the jungle of Vietnam for the four old and traumatized veterans. They are accompanied by David, the son of veteran Paul, who wants to take care of his father because he suffers severely from the symptoms of his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Not everyone: r likes the way Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman) Makes films. There is always in Da 5 Bloods Style breaks, weird cinematic decisions and extreme twists. Viewers who have got used to the typical Hollywood style will be upset. In the sense of Brecht’s epic theater, there are always alienation effects, such as the insertion of documentary and extremely brutal real scenes from the Vietnam War, a speech by Martin Luther King Jr. or images of important Afro-American personalities. As a result, the viewer takes a critical stance towards what is shown and can develop distance.
Depth, drama and lots of love – with these movie recommendations you will get through the winter well.
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In addition to the special direction, the actors can all be praised for their performance. Da 5 Bloods is funny, cruel, painful and empowering at the same time. Delroy Lindo will certainly play a role in his portrayal as an African-American racist Trump supporter with PTSD at the next film awards.
Rest in Power Chadwick Boseman.
Directed by Spike Lee. Cast: Delroy Lindow, Norm Lewis, Clarke Peters, Isiah Whitlock Jr. and Chadwick Boseman. German start: 06/12/2020. 155 minutes, FSK 16.
The Trial of the Chicago 7
In 1968 several people demonstrated against the Vietnam War at the Democratic Congress in Chicago. The demonstrations, which were actually peaceful, escalated into massive riots. The seven men who were among the leaders of the demonstrating organizations were charged with conspiracy a year later. The Trial of the Chicago 7 shows both the events during the demonstrations and the political trial.
Aaron Sorkin is considered to be one of the best screenwriters in Hollywood. After his directorial debut Molly’s Game (2017), for which he received average reviews, his second film is reminiscent of his work as a screenwriter due to its fresh characters and straightforward dialogue The Social Network (2010).
In addition to the unpleasant tension and the noticeable injustice, the film is very entertaining due to its provocative loosening up. The heavy material is wrapped in an exciting and captivating story that motivates you to become more politically active.
Directed by Aaron Sorkin. Cast: Sascha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Jeremy Strong, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. German start: October 16, 2020. 129 minutes, FSK 16.
Jeremy Strong als Jerry Rubin und Sascha Baron Cohen als Abby Hoffman in Aaron Sorkins The Trial of the Chicago “ [Foto: Nico Tavernise/ Netflix]
1917
1917 tells the story of two messengers from the British Army on the Western Front in France during the First World War. Soldiers Schofield and Blake are given the task of delivering an important order from the general to a certain Colonel Mackenzie. The chosen soldiers have to cross enemy territory.
In a nutshell, the film seems to be just one of many anti-war films. But Sam Mendes (Skyfall) manages to get along with almost no cuts during the film, which means that the comprehensive impressions of the protagonists also reach the audience. We see everything they see. We experience every single meter they run, every hurdle they jump, every shot they have to feel with them. This remains 1917 Exciting every second and is a perfect cinematic experience.
Directed by Sam Mendes. Cast: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Andrew Scott, Mark Strong. German start: January 16, 2020. 119 minutes, FSK 12.
Little Women
Little Women is a literary classic by the writer Louisa May Alcott from 1868, which tells the story of four sisters in the United States during the 1840s to 1860s. Alcott’s novel has already been adapted several times.
After the indie hit Lady Bird (2017) shows Greta Gerwig that she is able to stage a classic that has been adapted several times in her own way. Little Women is not only wonderful to look at because of the costume and scene design. The film is an emotional roller coaster that is still easy to digest. Gerwig connects the work and the biography of Alcott, whereby Little Women gives a new narrative perspective to their fundamental literature. The acting performances of Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen and Timothée Chalamet deserve special mention.
Director: Greta Gerwig. Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen. German start: 01/30/2020. 135 minutes, FSK 0.
The Gentleman
Since 2008 Guy Ritchie (Snatch) Released films that all felt like the start of an iconic film franchise. One of those projects is The Gentleman.
Mickey Pearson has established himself at the top of the gangster world as a weed dealer. While you follow his incredible career in small flash-backs, Mickey is working on his exit. His wife and partner Rosalinda and his consigliere Ray help him with this.
Ritchie goes back to his roots: Damn well-written, dialogue-heavy gangster films. The Gentleman Although it is not the best film of the year, it is a lot of fun with a terrific cast. Maybe this time Guy Ritchie will decide to do a second part.
Director: Guy Ritchie, actors: Matthew McConaughey, Hugh Grant, Charlie Hunman, Michelle Dockery, German start: 02/27/2020 113 minutes, FSK 16.
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