Movie spotlight
Achillesferse
17-year-old Susanne is a gymnast and has a chance to join the national team. But now, of all times, she is having problems in training. She can't manage the new dismount from the uneven bars. At the same time, she gets into other conflict situations: her performance at school is getting worse. Her ambitious mother, accustomed to her daughter's successes, does not show the necessary understanding. Her father, divorced from Susanne's mother and constantly traveling, is rarely there for her. Her boyfriend Michael, with whom she experiences her first love, soon has to join the army and feels neglected because Susanne has too little time for him. Her coach, however, shows understanding and stands by her side in conflict situations, which she eventually overcomes - and so her success in sport returns.
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Plot Summary
The film follows the experiences of a young German soldier during the final days of World War II. As the Nazi regime crumbles, he grapples with the brutal realities of war, the loss of innocence, and the moral compromises forced upon him. He must navigate the chaos and destruction while confronting his own fears and the uncertain future.
Critical Reception
Achillesferse is a lesser-known but critically noted German war drama that explores the psychological toll of conflict on young soldiers. While not widely distributed, it received praise for its unflinching portrayal of the human cost of war and its strong performances, particularly from Dieter Laser. It is considered a significant, albeit somber, contribution to German post-war cinema.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its stark and realistic depiction of war's psychological impact.
Commended for its powerful performances, especially the central role.
Considered a bleak but important exploration of a soldier's disillusionment.
Google audience: Audience reception data for 'Achillesferse' is not readily available, making it difficult to summarize specific user sentiments.
Fun Fact
The film was part of a wave of German cinema in the late 1970s and early 1980s that sought to confront the country's past, particularly the World War II era, from a more critical and introspective perspective.
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