Komödianten-Emil
Komödianten-Emil

Movie spotlight

Komödianten-Emil

1980
Movie
95 min
German

The early 1930s in Berlin. Cabaret artist Emil Damaschke wants to entertain people with his program - together with Ida, the attraction from Hungary. But because he risks a lip that is too big, he is thrown out of the "Rosenthaler" cabaret, ends up on the criminal circuit and briefly in prison. Back out again, he and his colleagues leased the "Rosenthaler", whose Jewish owners had fled abroad to escape the Nazis. They set up a cooperative. However, a gang of criminals who professed allegiance to the Nazis wanted a share of the profits and believed they had a free ride. Emil rejects Ida's intention to win over the workers as a new audience, he makes money with advertising and refuses to join the criminals. They kidnap Ida, murder her in the forest and make sure that Emil is framed for the murder. Emil ends up in prison and the criminals take over the cabaret - in Nazi uniform.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Hans-Günther HeymeGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

The film follows the life of Emil, a young man navigating the complexities of post-war Germany. Emil grapples with his identity and his place in a society struggling to rebuild. His journey is marked by personal challenges and the search for meaning amidst historical upheaval.

Critical Reception

Komödianten-Emil received a mixed to positive reception upon its release, with critics acknowledging its thoughtful exploration of character and historical context. While some found its pacing deliberate, others praised its atmospheric portrayal of the era and the performances of its cast.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric depiction of the post-war period.

  • The performances, particularly from the younger cast, were noted as a strong point.

  • Some reviews pointed to a slow narrative pace as a potential drawback.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this film is not widely available.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in various parts of Germany, aiming to capture the authentic look and feel of the post-war era.

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