Cast
View AllYeliz Simsek
as Selma
Jale Arıkan
as Mutter
Tom Lass
as Alex
Katja Sallay
as Rosa
Warsama Guled
as Rawad
Andrea Sawatzki
as Joshs Mutter
Paul Boche
as Josh
Gareth Lennon
as Carl
Holger Behr
as Die Queen (Miriam)
Stella Musell
as Stella
Resit Ballikaya
as Koch
Alexander Martschewski
as Rawads Kollege
Gernot Kunert
as Taxifahrer
Sean Black
as Terry Savage
Mex Schlüpfer
as Mr. Karma
Crew
Director
- Mariejosephin Schneider
Writer
- Mariejosephin Schneider
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Notes of Berlin 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 Mariejosephin Schneider 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 reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Notes of Berlin took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 396 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- 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 Notes of Berlin shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Phoenix, which focuses more on action than character development, Notes of Berlin subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Summer in Berlin and About the Looking for and the Finding of Love explore similar territory, Notes of Berlin 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: September 9, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 45m