It is a German existentialist drama film. Directed & written by Chris Kraus. Starring Hannah Herzsprung & Monica Bleibtreu, Richy Muller & Sven Pippig.
An elderly music teacher who gives piano lessons to prisoners finds a prodigy in a young inmate & devotes herself to developing that talent.
Rated at 7.3.
The Hollywood Reporter found it ‘a rehash of a tired premise’.
Both the years, 2006 & 2007 saw the film being awarded. Bavarian Film awards for Best actress, Best new actress, Best screen play & Best new Director. In 2007, German Film Awards & European Film awards were won.
The prison does give a monotony but the teacher -student relationship is unique & special. When the warden tries to injure her hands, out of jealousy! He employs other inmates to harm her.
For that four minutes of glory the teacher toils so hard. The student, a real artist is moody, rude & uncompromising, yet the 80 odd years old Mrs Kruger cannot let a talent go waste!!
Dedicating it to Traude Krueger who passed away in 2004, it is a nice touch.
Not going into any other back stories, going to details which are absolutely must, it makes the film tense, real & we knowingly follow it till the end.
A sincere effort put on screen. Beautiful.
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