When Will It Be Again Like It Never Was Before
When Will It Be Again Like It Never Was Before

Movie spotlight

When Will It Be Again Like It Never Was Before

2023
Movie
116 min
German

Growing up on the grounds of one of Germany's largest psychiatric hospitals is somehow - different. For Joachim, the director's youngest son, the patients are like family. They are also much nicer to him than his two older brothers, who drive him into fits of rage. His mother, painting watercolors, longs for Italian summer nights instead of constant German rain, while his father secretly, but not discreetly enough, goes his own way. But while Joachim slowly grows up, his world, not only through the loss of his first love, gets more and more cracks...

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users78%
Director: Yoon-ki OhGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A young woman, grappling with a mysterious illness and a fractured family history, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. As she delves into the past, she uncovers hidden truths about her lineage and the interconnectedness of fate. The film explores themes of memory, identity, and the search for belonging.

Critical Reception

The film received a mixed to positive reception, with praise for its atmospheric direction and visual poetry, though some critics found the narrative deliberately opaque and slow-paced. Audiences were often divided, with some appreciating its artistic ambition and others feeling disconnected from its abstract storytelling.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually stunning cinematography and evocative mood.

  • Critiqued for a narrative that is sometimes too elusive and slow.

  • Lauded for strong performances, particularly from the lead actress.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's artistic merit and emotional depth, with many highlighting the beautiful visuals and the poignant exploration of human connection. Some viewers found the plot difficult to follow and wished for a more straightforward narrative.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Film at the Busan International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film's distinctive visual style was heavily influenced by classic European art films, with the director aiming to create a dreamlike and introspective atmosphere.

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