From the GDR to Paris and Glasgow in this week’s releases

by Bénédicte Prot

18/07/2008 - Five German distributors have this week decided to take advantage of the changeable weather to draw viewers into theatres to see a selection of European titles.

Two domestic productions were launched yesterday. Sportsfreund Lötzsch, by Sandra Prechtel and Sascha Hilpert, retraces the career of a resolutely apolitical cyclist, Wolfgang Lötzsch. The film – released by MFA – looks at how the GDR regime tried constantly to put a spoke in his wheels.

Constantin are launching a comedy for youngsters which should attract large audiences: Freche Mädchen by Ute Wieland (director of the successful football comedy FC Venus [trailer]). The film – adapted by Maggie Peren from the eponymous series of novels – centres on three teenage best friends, who are prey to the doubts and emotional turmoil that this age brings.

While Croco Film are re-releasing Grease, Universal are hoping for success with a recent musical comedy co-produced in Europe (the UK). Phyllida Lloyd’s Mamma Mia! is adapted from the Abba stage show and features a host of dazzling stars.

This week’s line-up also includes two European auteur films. Prokino are releasing Cédric Klapisch’s French title Paris [trailer], which also has an all-star cast (Binoche, Duris, Luchini and Cluzet).

Meanwhile, Fugu are launching Andrea Arnold’s superb UK film Red Road [trailer], whose heroine (Kate Dickie) – a security guard on the outskirts of Glasgow – sees her past reappear on the surveillance screens and starts to avidly follow events.

(Translated from French)