Cast
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Franz Rogowski
as Hans Hoffmann
Georg Friedrich
as Viktor
Anton von Lucke
as Leo Giese
Thomas Prenn
as Oskar
Thomas Stecher
as Guard 1968
Alfred Hartung
as Guard 1945
Thomas Wehling
as Guard 1957
Mex Schlüpfer
as Buddy Viktor
David Burnell IV
as Ally
Fabian Stumm
as Police Officer
Joachim Schönfeld
as Guard
Klaus Huhle
as Judge
Andreas Patton
as Prosecutor
Daniel Wagner
as Criminal defense attorney
Ulrich Faßnacht
as Sanitary room attendant
Crew
Director
- Sebastian Meise
Producer
- Benny Drechsel
- Sabine Moser
- Oliver Neumann
Reviews
CinemaSerf
It's curious to think that it is only fairly recently (1994!) that West Germany abolished it's odious "paragraph 175" legislation that imposed criminal penalties on homosexual men. Franz Rogowski is "Hoffman", a serial cottager who is frequently imprisoned for breaching this law. The film tells the rather bleak and depressing tale of his life spent behind bars: of his loves whilst there - notably with "Oskar" (Thomas Prenn) and "Leo" (Anton von Lucke); of his developing friendship with the straight and initially hostile "Viktor" (Georg Friedrich) and of the brutality of the prison system that reduced his quality of life to little more than that of street vermin. Rogowski (who reminds me a little of Joaquin Phoenix) is on good form as the story pans out; his character runs an whole gamut of emotions from love, despair, frustration and - very occasionally - joy, he even thinks of breaking out! By the time he is declared "legal", the character has become so institutionalised that freedom is nowhere near as attractive as he had expected it to be. It's not an easy film to watch, this one - made more potent by the fact the for much of the period he spent incarcerated, there were American soldiers guarding the jail too! The pace is slow, and the narrative switches timelines from time to time, so I needed to concentrate, but it is worth it if you are remotely interested in the ordeals of a man jailed just for being gay!
Apr 16, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Great Freedom 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 Sebastian Meise 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 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Great Freedom took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 116 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 60 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Great Freedom shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Aladdin, which focuses more on action than character development, Great Freedom offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Moulin Rouge! and Tsotsi explore similar territory, Great Freedom stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: November 18, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Revenue: $218,511
Where to Watch
