Cast
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Josef Hader
as Stefan Zweig
Barbara Sukowa
as Friderike Zweig
Aenne Schwarz
as Lotte Zweig
Tómas Lemarquis
as Lefèvre
Valerie Pachner
as Alix Störk
Nahuel Pérez Biscayart
as Vitor D'Almeida
Naomi Krauss
as Erna Feder
Cristina do Rego
as Alzira Vargas
Lenn Kudrjawizki
as Samuel Malamud
Natalia Belitski
as Mrs. Malamud
Charly Hübner
as Emil Ludwig
Irina Potapenko
as Paulina Koogan
Stephen Singer
as Ben Huebsch
Ivan Shvedoff
as Halpern Leivick
Robert Finster
as Karl Hoeller
Crew
Director
- Maria Schrader
Writer
- Jan Schomburg
- Maria Schrader
Reviews
badelf
"I'm starting to hate politics, because
it's becoming the opposite of justice, because it betrays the word with the slogan. To be an intellectual means to be just, to summon up an understanding for one's counterpart and adversaries."
Stefan Zweig, a brilliant and poetic writer, was exiled from Germany because he was Jewish. He spent his exile trying to navigate the labyrinth between politics and justice. That journey crushed him.
How ironic that, at the time I watch this film, the USA is on same cusp as that of 1930s Germany. On the verge of potentially electing an authoritarian racist egomaniac that will tear down the republic that has served the country for 200 years.
Jan 19, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Stefan Zweig: Farewell to Europe 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 Maria Schrader 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 2016, 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 Stefan Zweig: Farewell to Europe took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 106 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 53 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Stefan Zweig: Farewell to Europe shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Phantom Punch, which focuses more on action than character development, Stefan Zweig: Farewell to Europe offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Jammed and Morvern Callar explore similar territory, Stefan Zweig: Farewell to Europe 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 2, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 46m
