Aftermath
10/03/19 Filed in: Cinema
I really fancied this film from seeing the trailer and wasn't disappointed. But when I read the critics reviews I felt that I must have seen a different film. Some aspects of the plot were ,admittedly, probably a little far-fetched, but like any film it must steer a course between hard reality and dramatic interpretation. The central romance forms the core of the story and it is that that the critics seem most unhappy about. Personally, I saw two people thrown together, both of whom were looking for love and support, and for different reasons both were being denied these essential human needs.
Set in the total destruction of Hamburg at the end of the war, Rachael Morgan arrives to accompany her colonel husband Lewis, who is commanding the British force trying to make sense of the situation following the saturation bombing. He's a thoroughly decent chap, empathising with the German people who are struggling to make a life among the rubble of their city. Many of those around him are far less understanding, the them and us mentality still manifesting itself. Rachael is shocked by what she finds, and becomes more uneasy when they move into a grand house that is requisitioned by the army for Lewis and her. Her disquiet is caused by the presence of the German occupants, a former architect and widower, Stefan Lubert, and his stroppy daughter, Freda, who clearly resents their presence, as well as displaying some troubling characteristics of the Hitler youth.
Things become worse for Rachael when Lewis agrees that the Luberts can stay on, taking residence in the loft quarters. It's all very chilly between them, with Rachael having been cautioned by another British service wife to be careful, as 'there may not be an outward show of hatred, but it's there beneath the surface'. But as Lewis spends more and more time away, and Stefan's germanic eloquence begins to calm Rachael's fears, the inevitable happens. Or not so inevitable if you believe the critics. Meanwhile Freda is involved with a young man who definitely is still displaying Hitler youth tendencies while at the same time she continues to resent the Morgan's presence, despite an attempt by Rachael to make a connection with her. Freda's actions will place the Morgans at risk, while Rachael's lead to a crisis between her and Lewis. We also learn of the backstory of their relationship, hinted at earlier from a photograph carried by Lewis in his cigarette case.
I really couldn't see anything wrong with this film, so perhaps I shouldn't be reviewing it! For me the acting was totally believable, and contrary to some critics, I didn't feel that there was a lack of chemistry between Keira Knightly as Rachael, and Alexander Skarsgård as Stefan. Both were playing deeply troubled individuals, and both were looking for emotional support, so one would hardly expect all sweetness and light. The depiction of Hamburg, no doubt CGI created, was exactly as one would expect from contemporary photographs. And the helplessness and destitution of the residents was palpable.
The trailer enticed me and I'm pleased I saw this film. Some critics have also panned the ending but for me it was just right.
I really couldn't see anything wrong with this film, so perhaps I shouldn't be reviewing it! For me the acting was totally believable, and contrary to some critics, I didn't feel that there was a lack of chemistry between Keira Knightly as Rachael, and Alexander Skarsgård as Stefan. Both were playing deeply troubled individuals, and both were looking for emotional support, so one would hardly expect all sweetness and light. The depiction of Hamburg, no doubt CGI created, was exactly as one would expect from contemporary photographs. And the helplessness and destitution of the residents was palpable.
The trailer enticed me and I'm pleased I saw this film. Some critics have also panned the ending but for me it was just right.