Cast
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Ulrich Noethen
as Captain Gustav Schröder
Britta Hammelstein
as Martha Stern
Johannes Kienast
as Officer Klaus Ostermeyer
Florian Panzner
as Otto Hendrich
Golo Euler
as Walter Stern
Attila Borlan
as Karl Pollock
Virgílio Castelo
as Dr. Josef Joseph
Luís Esparteiro
as Robert Hoffmann
Elgar do Rosário
as Leo Stern
Gabriela Barros
as Elise Loewe
Pedro Lacerda
as Dr. Max Loewe
João Craveiro
as Male German Customs Officer
Kjersti Kaasa
as Female German Customs Officer
Tomâs Frazâo
as Fat Boy
Daniel Viana
as Steward
Crew
Director
- Ben von Grafenstein
Writer
- Susanne Beck
- Thomas Eifler
Producer
- Marc Lepetit
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, St. Louis 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 Ben von Grafenstein 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 2019, 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 St. Louis took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 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 35 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- 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 St. Louis shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Torrey Pines, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, St. Louis offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Little Witch and The Replacement explore similar territory, St. Louis stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 21, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 28m
