I like this very much. The actors are superb, Gerhardt Lippert as the lead does a very good job. Gustl Bayerhammer is a very evil bad guy, something one would not never think he could pull off, but he did, very convincingly, I might add. His character, the Ertl Bauer, is very similar to Helmut Qualtinger's in Peter Turrini's Alpensaga. The narrator is outstanding. He speaks archaic language, talks as if he would fall asleep any second, but it fits the mood of the piece just right. I do not know why not more people know this, it is pretty unknown. Helmut Fisher of Monaco Franze fame has one of his last roles before becoming famous, the same with Martin Semmelrogge (Das Boot). Cinematography is not outstanding, which is a good thing, it is subtle and only adds to the almost documentary style of the three part miniseries, something I am sure the director intended.
2 Reviews
The life and times of a teacher in a remote Bavarian mountain village
ebonnert7 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Hands down one of the best German films I have ever seen. Gripping script and excellent acting. The plot casts a set of strings over the archaic mountain region of Bavaria during several decades in the pre- and post-Napoleonian era. Things and people change drastically - and yet they stay the same. The great cinematography is really exemplary for using the backdrops of nature and times in historic drama. No big names in the cast, the director rather uses Bavarian folk actors and local stage actors that come across as authentic and work well with each other. The main scenes, the actors and some of the dialogs are so vivid and memorable, they have stayed with me for a very long time. And the stoic style of the narrator adds to the whole thing, too. Highly recommended if you ever have a chance to see it.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
