They Call It Love
They Call It Love

Movie spotlight

They Call It Love

1970
Movie
70 min
German

Paul (William Donald Powell), a former American GI gets by as lead singer of a band in the wake of the 1968 cultural revolution in Munich. Paul’s monotonous life plays out between the hotel bar, his adjacent studio apartment, and the rare night out on the town or a visit to the suburbs. Director King Ampaw's thesis film at the University of Television and Film Munich is the second film by an African filmmaker to be shot in Germany (the first being Ibrahim Shaddad’s “Jagdpartie” in 1964).

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: Ed HuntGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A young couple, fresh out of college, grapple with the realities of marriage and the pressures of societal expectations. As they navigate their early years together, they encounter infidelity, financial struggles, and differing life goals, testing the strength of their love and commitment. The film explores the complexities and sacrifices involved in building a life together.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'They Call It Love' received mixed reviews, with some critics commending its honest portrayal of marital challenges and others finding its narrative somewhat melodramatic and predictable. Audience reception was similarly divided, resonating with those who appreciated its realistic depiction of young love's difficulties but disappointing those seeking a more uplifting romance.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its attempt to realistically depict the struggles of newlyweds.

  • Criticized for its sometimes heavy-handed dramatic approach.

  • Noted for the performances of its young cast navigating complex emotions.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce and largely unrecorded, making it difficult to ascertain specific likes or dislikes. General sentiment suggests a mixed reception, with some appreciating the film's thematic honesty and others finding it less engaging than other contemporary dramas.

Fun Fact

The film was a relatively low-budget production that aimed to capture the zeitgeist of changing relationships in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

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