The Princess And the Warrior
(2000)
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From German director Tom Tykwer, whose energetic RUN LOLA RUN wowed audiences in 1998, comes this ethereal modern-day fairy tale. Hypnotizing German actress Franka Potente (RUN LOLA RUN, BLOW) stars opposite deft, volatile newcomer Benno Furmann. Using beautiful visuals involving ice cubes, underwater bubbles, rain, and the well-worn buildings of Wuppertal, Tykwer implements his signature filming style--a roving, curious, rapid camera that examines its subjects in extreme close up, follows letters into mailboxes, and soars over the nighttime city like a bird. The musical score and the impeccable use of sound complete the film's sensory excellence. |
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Rather than repeat the kinetic brio of Run Lola Run, director Tom Tykwer has bravely dropped the pace and stuffed this intense romantic drama with mysterious symbolism, muddled motivations and unresolved incidents. Despite referencing numerous art house icons, this is actually a highly personal piece, hence the setting is Tykwer's home town, Wuppertal. But he spends too much time demonstrating his technical virtuosity to involve us in the tortuous relationship between psychiatric nurse Franka Potente and widowed ex-soldier Benno Fürmann. With its shifting tone and wayward plot, this isn't an easy watch, but it's refreshing to see a film-maker experiment without undue concern for profit.