Reunion
Reunion

Movie spotlight

Reunion

1989
Movie
15 min
German

After their mother’s death, three siblings meet up in her apartment – and revert to their childhood family dynamics. They play concentration and enjoy eggnog with their chocolate pudding, making the regression a not entirely unpleasant one … As a blithe "preview" of her debut feature The Terrible Threesome, this short narrative by Hermine Huntgeburth, who grew up with nine brothers and sisters, is a droll portrait of family ties that is as cosy as it is eerie.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Gerd OswaldGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

In 1938 Germany, two childhood friends, Hans and Klaus, meet again in their hometown. Hans, now a lawyer with a wife and child, has assimilated into the rising Nazi regime, while Klaus, a Jewish musician, has been ostracized and is preparing to flee the country. Their reunion highlights the stark contrast in their lives and the tragic path Germany is taking, forcing them to confront their past friendship amidst the encroaching darkness of persecution and war.

Critical Reception

While 'Reunion' was recognized for its powerful portrayal of friendship fractured by historical events and its sensitive handling of the Holocaust's early stages, it received a mixed critical reception. Some lauded its emotional depth and performances, while others found its pacing slow and its narrative somewhat conventional.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its poignant exploration of human relationships under extreme political pressure.

  • Noted for strong performances, particularly from the lead actors.

  • Criticized by some for its deliberate pacing and melancholic tone.

Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not readily available, but general commentary suggests appreciation for its historical context and emotional resonance.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the autobiographical novel 'Der Verhörte' (The Interrogated) by the German writer Imre Kertész, though Kertész later disowned the film adaptation.

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