PoChu
AuYeung
Vancouver Film Festival
1991 |
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Leading
Players: Geno Lechner, Julian Benedikt, Margarita Broich, Kyana Krettschmer,
Nicolai Wolf Thome, Joya Thome
Rudolf Thome, one of Germany's veteran low-budget Û filmmakers, is
often likened to Eric Rohmer in his penchant for philosophical discourse
on the amorous relations between ordinary men and women. In this film he
offers us one of the most gentle and harmonious love stories imaginable.
Elsa, a futurologist and single mother from West Berlin meets Zenon, a widowed,
unemplployed archaeologist from East Berlin, at a playground where they
take their children one sunny, breezy afternoon. The romance that follows
is in large measure due to the efforts of Elsa who, as the more outgoing
and vibrant personality, initiates the conversation and their first date.
The love affair goes so smoothly, devoid of conflicts or obstacles, that
they, decide to live together - possibly happy ever after.... on another
level, the love story of these two contrasting characters can also be seen
as a somewhat ironic metaphor for the reunification between East and West
Germany. Whether it is a political metaphor or a love story, all is treated
with the utmost simplicity and lightness of touch through a naturalistic
mise-en-scène that includes real-time portrayal of diaper
changing as well as lovemaking! Yet for all its simplicity and directness,
the film resonates with a quiet charm and warmth that affirms the art of
its artlessness.
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