Cast
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Emily Cox
as Martha Müller
Selen Savas
as Ilayda Aysan
Aaron Karl
as Abbas Aysan
Bernhard Schir
as Feininger
Ulli Maier
as Ulrike
Simon Morzé
as Philip
Stefano Bernardin
as Tagir
Nathalie Ann Köbli
as Kim
Pascal Giefing
as Julian
Konstantin Reichmuth
as Punky
Gretchen Hering
as Schülerin
Lila Gürmen
as Gönul
Ava Celik
as Onur Aysan
Alexander Jagsch
as Czerny
Elfriede Schüsseleder
as Helga Pollhammer
Crew
Director
- Holger Barthel
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Die Freischwimmerin examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Holger Barthel 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 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Die Freischwimmerin took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1409 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Die Freischwimmerin shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Prayers for Bobby, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Die Freischwimmerin offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Molokai: The Story of Father Damien and Pallikkoodam explore similar territory, Die Freischwimmerin stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 4, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 25m
