German Cinema Week Highlights: "Haps" Prison Drama, Star-Studded Casts, and More
Key Insights
Diverse Genre Mix:: Releases span musicals ('The End'), documentaries ('Stasi FC'), thrillers ('Riff Raff'), family dramas ('Funny Birds', 'Beating Hearts'), unique character studies ('Mond', 'I Like Movies'), and intense crime/prison stories ('Haps').
Star Power:: Notable actors like Tilda Swinton, Michael Shannon, Ed Harris, Jennifer Coolidge, Bill Murray, Catherine Deneuve, and Adèle Exarchopoulos grace the screen.
"Haps" Focus:: The prison drama "Haps", directed by Ekrem Engizek and starring Constantin von Jascheroff and rapper Amir "Asche" Aschenberg, aims to deter youth from crime but faces questions about its glorification of violence.
Why this matters:: This week offers something for almost every taste, including films tackling social issues (youth crime in 'Haps', Stasi influence in 'Stasi FC') alongside pure entertainment.
In-Depth Analysis
This Week's Notable Film Releases:
"Haps – Crime Doesn’t Pay": Directed by Ekrem Engizek, who began his career in Norderstedt, this film plunges viewers into one of Germany's toughest prisons. Following small-time criminal Alexander Rothstein (Constantin von Jascheroff), it depicts his brutalization within the prison system under the influence of a Kurdish gang boss and a killer played by rapper Amir "Asche" Aschenberg. While intended as an awareness campaign about the harsh realities of crime, the film's heavy use of violence and gangster rap aesthetics raises questions about its effectiveness versus potential fascination. Actor Constantin von Jascheroff initially hesitated but embraced the role, seeing it as a needed departure from Germany's 'plump comedies'.
"The End": An apocalyptic musical starring Tilda Swinton and Michael Shannon as a wealthy couple living underground for 20 years post-catastrophe. Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, it's described as an aseptic chamber play where musical numbers highlight monotony rather than escapism.
"Stasi FC": A documentary exploring the immense influence of Stasi head Erich Mielke on the East German football club BFC Dynamo Berlin in the 1980s, using Stasi resources to ensure the club's success.
"Riff Raff – Crime is a Family Matter": A thriller-comedy featuring Ed Harris, Lewis Pullman, Jennifer Coolidge, and Bill Murray. A family weekend is disrupted when a son arrives with trouble, having killed a gangster's son, leading to a violent, darkly humorous chase reminiscent of early Tarantino.
"Funny Birds – The Yellow of the Egg": A rural American family drama starring Catherine Deneuve, Andrea Riseborough, and Morgan Saylor, focusing on three generations of women bonding amidst hardship. Critics question its originality but note its focus on the 'chicken film' genre.
"Mond": An Austrian film where a former MMA fighter (Florentina Holzinger) travels to Jordan to teach three girls, encountering a tense atmosphere and underlying threats within a wealthy family's palace.
"I Like Movies": A Canadian tragicomedy about a cinephile teenage nerd (Isaiah Lehtinen) dreaming of NYU film school while working in a video store, struggling with his ego and relationships.
"Beating Hearts": A French film blending coming-of-age, social drama, and gangster genres. It follows Clotaire (François Civil) and Jackie (Adèle Exarchopoulos) through a passionate but troubled love affair separated by class and crime.
FAQs
What are the main highlights this week?
Key releases include the controversial prison drama "Haps", the star-studded apocalyptic musical "The End", the historical documentary "Stasi FC", and the Tarantino-esque thriller "Riff Raff".
Is "Haps" suitable for young audiences?
While intended as an anti-crime message, its graphic depiction of prison violence and gangster lifestyle might be intense and potentially counterproductive for some viewers. Parental guidance is strongly advised.
Are there any lighter films releasing?
"Riff Raff" offers dark comedy, "I Like Movies" is a tragicomedy, and "Funny Birds" presents a family drama, though critical reception varies.
Key Takeaways
Cinema-goers have a wide selection this week, from challenging dramas and documentaries to films with major international stars.
"Haps" presents a gritty look at prison life intended as a deterrent but requires viewer discretion due to its violent content.
Explore different genres: consider the historical insights of "Stasi FC", the unique concept of "The End", or the character study in "I Like Movies".
Discussion
Which of these new releases are you most interested in seeing? Do you think films like "Haps" can effectively deter youth crime, or do they risk glorifying it? Let us know your thoughts!
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Sources & References
Tagesspiegel: Die wichtigsten Kinostarts der Woche
Berliner Morgenpost: Constantin von Jascheroff: „Scheiß auf die Filmförderung“ (Note: Access may require subscription)
Hamburger Abendblatt: Hartes Knast-Drama „Haps“: Regisseur begann Karriere in Norderstedt (Note: Access may require subscription)
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