From the GDR to Paris and Glasgow in this week’s releases
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 [+see also:
trailer
film profile]). 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 [+see also:
trailer
film profile], which also has an all-star cast (Binoche, Duris, Luchini and Cluzet).
Meanwhile, Fugu are launching Andrea Arnold’s superb UK film Red Road [+see also:
trailer
film profile], 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)
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