Sass

"Sass`, set in historic Berlin during the Twenties is an impressive movie starring the best that Germany can offer at the mo: Otto Sander, just receiving a long-awaited yet rare hommage in a monograph being released this summer, again mind-blows in a stunning performance. It´s been a clever move to cast him as supporting actor: he´s best in withdrawn but persistent roles ever since his breakthrough in Wolfgang Petersen´s "Das Boot`. Moreover: German heroes Ben Becker (internationally known to cineasts since "Comedian Harmonist`) and Jurgen Vogel are at their best. We can breath with these two characters, one strong and calculated, the other wild and shy simultaneously: a perfect match.

Director Carlo Rola manages to bridge this odd pair of bros. Successfully and consecutively, they melt into each other, only to find a dramatic ending that leaves us sour-sweet. But who would mind that small tear running down one´s face when leaving the screening room for another day in reality?

This poetic but serious heavy weight of film sublimely gives us a spectacular glimpse of European roaring Twenties. Not to mention these beautiful actresses every human being considers a fling with. - A hard life in easy times and an easy life in hard times: "Sass` is a historical lecture, generated by the movies. Yet its greatest plus is the movie´s make-up and its costumes. This look is perfectly arranged - Hollywood should open its eyes and keep one thing in mind: this piece of celluloid will be the horse conquering Troy.

The true story of the two brothers living and dying in the Berlin 30 doesn't grab you at all - unfortunately. So much money for nothing, I mean the budget. The music seems to be stolen from "Once upon the time in America", the director, well he is known for tv movies... Good enough for VHS or DVD

I've seen this film in a sneak preview, it will be on screen in a few weeks.

I have no idea if this film will see any international distribution at all, but it would be worth it.

The plot: The film is (fairly loosely) based on the real life of the brothers Sass, two legendary burglars and safecrackers in the Berlin of the 20s and early 30s. The film is very free with the actual facts of their story but that doesn't really distract from the quality. The film shows the rise of the brothers from their beginnings as car mechanics to the "Robin Hoods of Berlin".

Technically the film is very well done, colors, cinematography, and even the score reminded me of the great American gangster films like "the Untouchables" or "Once upon a time in America". The Cast is brilliant, right down to minor supporting roles. Ben Becker and Jürgen Vogel show a wide scope of their considerable talent. Otto Sander as their father uses his few scenes to make a real impression.

The sets, costumes ect. are stylish and very well done too, sucking the audience right into both the working class quarters and the upper class clubs and bars of the Berlin of the roaring 20s.

My only complain is the end which stylizes the brothers a bit too much for my taste.