** Faraway So Close!
or
In weiter Ferne, so nah!
**
In my opinion better than the original film.
While the first film explored themes of existentialism and the longing of human connection, Faraway So Close! explores themes more akin to the absolute and indifferent nature of time itself in Willem Dafoe’s character as well as a closer look at morality instead of mortality which the first film offers.
Otto Sander’s performance is incredible. His scenes when he is homeless are so completely accurate it’s insane.
Cassiel after finding out what business Tony is in:
“Can one fall to hell without meaning to do evil?”
“Without even recognising evil?”
When Cassiel is at rock bottom and is depressed and isolated he tries listening in on a woman at the train station just for some kind of connection and I find that beautiful.
Also Lou Reed cameo? Kinda huge for Velvet Underground fans.
I do have some problems with it though. I feel Cassiel’s ultimate sacrifice doesn’t make sense as he never really fought between good and evil within himself. Other than the scene where he robs the grocery store but he never would have shot the guy anyway let’s be honest.
The last 20 minutes feels very rushed and out of place. I think the heist sequence is fun but everything after that feels like stuff just happens in order to get to Cassiel’s death.
If you thought Wings of Desire was too boring for you then you should watch Faraway So Close!
CONCEPT
9/10
ACTING
10/10
PRODUCTION (SET DESIGN, COSTUMES, LIGHTING, SOUND DESIGN, MIXING ETC ETC)
7/10
EXECUTION OF THEMES
7/10
WRITING
7/10
VISUAL STORYTELLING
7/10
ENJOYMENT WHILE WATCHING
8/10
