GERMAN FILM FESTIVAL
I knew some Germans once, a group of travelling medical students. I must admit, I didn’t know them well. They were always huddled together, talking amongst themselves in our share accommodation dining hall. At the time, I had thought them snobbish and pan-faced; way too serious and studious for a twenty-something girl whose main interest was finding the next party. Don’t expect these perceptions to set the tone at the 9th Annual German Film Festival. After watching several of the 32 features about to screen across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, I came to realise the diversity and vitality of German life. In what looks like a bid to organise and promote this diversity – the array of subjects, themes and historical periods covered in this year’s selection, the festival has been divided into several sections. Featured in the Berlin-based segment is the true story, Berlin ’36, a dispassionate yet sympathetic depiction of the Nazi’s treatment of Gretel, a Jewish high-jump champion asked to serve the fatherland at the Munich Olympics and Marie, an outsider of a different kind coerced to thwart Gretel’s attempts at success. John Rabe, another true story, is a confronting account of the invasion of Nanking and the German businessman, who along with several other countrymen and a smart-mouthed American doctor (Steve Buscemi) saved 200, 000 people from the brutality of Japanese warfare.
“I’ll be your spice king. And you’ll be my Tandoori Queen,” sings Rajah to Sonja as chicken breasts and a chorus line of chefs dance around a kitchen when Bollywood arrives at the Swiss Alps in Tandoori Love. As part of the culinary comedy section, it’s a romance that crosses cultures and dancing styles as Rajah, a superb Indian cook, reveals to the conflicted Sonja a magical side to life that she’s unable to resist. And be prepared for a giggle when the Bollywood actors caress at the bow of a steam-boat in mock Titanic style, cavort on snow-capped mountains and around tombstones splashed with fluorescent flowers.
But the best of them all was Men in the City, a modern look at the lives of five very different guys who all belong to the same gym. Described as a comedy and that it is; especially in the scenes when music producer, Jerome (Til Schweiger from Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds) tries to confront his David Hasselhoff wannabe about his corny lyrics. It also attempts to get underneath male stereotypes and examine what men really want from their friends and significant others. Also showing is The Door, a film blending drama, mystery and horror when David finds a strange second chance to make things right after his daughter’s death. Will You Marry Us? seems to be the German answer to the Hollywood Rom-Com except without the same exasperating contrivances and cliché. The unhappily married, marriage celebrant, Rahel runs into famous muso, Ben and it’s apparent that there’s history and chemistry; but of course, the road to true love for this two will not be smooth. The festival will also include award-winning and critically-acclaimed films, such as Whisky with Vodka and Soul Kitchen whilst offering opportunities to hear German filmmakers present their work.
Apr 21–May 2, Chauvel Cinema, cnr Oxford St & Oatley Rd, Paddington & Palace Norton Street Cinema, 99 Norton St, Leichardt, $17-70, goethe.de/australia
