Cast
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Katrin Sass
as Agnes Eckert
Sylvester Groth
as Heinz Hüsgen
Manfred Gorr
as Jupp Eckert
Jutta Wachowiak
as Mother Voß
Rolf Hoppe
as Director Hüsgen
Corinna Harfouch
as Emmi Voß
Johanna Schall
as Lena Brinken
Hermann Beyer
as Peter Dressen
Peter Zimmermann
as
Werner Godemann
as
Mathis Schrader
as
Justus Carrière
as Gestapo Man
Hans-Jürgen Pabst
as Gestapo Man
Arianne Borbach
as
Eckhard Becker
as
Crew
Director
- Roland Gräf
Writer
- Roland Gräf
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The House on the River examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Roland Gräf brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1986, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The House on the River took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: January 16, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 29m