“Die Blumen von gestern” (Yesterday’s flowers) is a comical film about a Holocaust scholar whose own relatives had been prominent perpetrators during the Third Reich. He gets upset when a conference about Auschwitz is turned into a media event – until he meets a French student whose grandmother was murdered in a concentration camp. The film opens Thursday in German cinemas. Director Chris Kraus told DW about the film’s reception in Japan – and why the Holocaust could happen again. DW: The film “Die Blumen von gestern” recently premiered at the international film festivals in Hof, Germany, and Tokyo, Japan. It is now being released in German cinemas. Historically speaking, Japan and Germany have some things in common, though Japan doesn’t deal with its past as openly as Germany does. What were the reactions to the film at the festival in Tokyo? Chris Kraus: We were very glad that the film was shown because Tokyo is an A-list festival. But of course you can think, what does a film about the Holocaust have to do with Japan? A lot, actually. But I didn’t learn exactly how much until I was there. Journalists and audience members asked me why I made the film in the way that I did. During fascism, the history of Germany and Japan had a lot to do with each other: They formed an axis together. Nearly every conversation I had with the Japanese began with: “You Germans do a great job at working through your history.”…more detail
Why a German Holocaust comedy was a hit in Japan
Kino favorites: Top 10 German dramas
Film Kino favorites: Top 10 German dramas #10: Young Törless In 1966, Volker Schlöndorff filmed "Young Törless" based on a novel by Robert Musil. The drama about a young student at an Austrian military academy shot actor Mathieu Carrière to stardom - and turned the director into a specialist for literary film adaptations. In Schlöndorff's film, Carrière played a young man caught between adolescence and morality, rebellion and desire. Kino favorites: Top 10 German dramas #8: The Bridge Just 15 years after the end of World War II, Bernhard Wicki presented an excellent anti-war film with "The Bridge." The story of seven 16-year-old Germans, who are sent on a senseless military mission shortly before the war is over, still has a strong impact today. "The Bridge" features talented actors and takes an uncompromising look at the reality of war. Kino favorites: Top 10 German dramas #7: Aguirre, the Wrath of God Director Werner Herzog and actor Klaus Kinski formed a legendary partnership. In 1972, Herzog filmed the Latin American drama "Aguirre, the Wrath of God." Filmed on location, the movie told the fictional story of a Spanish conqueror from the 16th century. Many years later, in 1999, Herzog would make a documentary about Kinski (pictured), called "My Best Fiend." Kino favorites: Top 10 German dramas #3: The White Ribbon Michael Haneke's "The White Ribbon" is considered a masterpiece of European cinema. In 2009, the black-and-white film set during the aftermath of World War I was awarded a Golden Palm at…... [read more]
Germany's most unique film festival marks 50th anniversary - without the man who made it great
Hof International Film Festival may not be the largest in Germany, or the oldest. But it's definitely the festival with the most cult potential. The slogan "Hof: Home of Films" has managed to ingrain itself in the consciousness of the movie scene and accurately represents the annual event held in the tiny Bavarian village. Hof lives and breathes German film. Located rurally in the central-easternmost corner of Germany, close to the Czech border, Hof is not exactly a whirring hub of activity. Nevertheless, it's home to Germany's most original and significant film festival. Technically speaking, the Hof International Film Festival began in Munich, rather than Hof. In 1966, a couple of young film enthusiasts wanted to start a festival, but they weren't able to arrange anything with the local cinemas. So, a year later, they moved to Heinz Badewitz's birth city, Hof. Badeweitz was one of three co-founders of the festival, which got off the ground in 1967 with just a handful of screenings. The following year, the festival developed further in an effort to keep up with competitors at the Oberhausen Short Film Festival. Badewitz - a charming, cosmopolitan host In the 1970s, Heinz Badewitz, with his unbeatable mix of charm and expertise, managed to make Hof what it is today: a key meeting place for both the German and the international film scenes. No other film festival in Germany is as closely identified with the name of its director. Those who knew him quickly saw what made Badewitz…... [read more]
Why Trump could put a dagger in 'The Great Wall'
The Americans and the Chinese came up with a good plan. To increase global revenues, production companies from both countries got together for the massive, $150-million film. "The Great Wall" is ringing in a new era in the film industry. Both countries are meant to profit in this win-win situation: Hollywood stands to benefit from gaining a key to the gigantic Chinese market, which is the second largest in the world. For China, collaboration with the US is a pivotal step toward becoming a global player in the film industry. But the release of "The Great Wall" roughly coincides with President-elect Donald Trump's debut on the world stage as a political leader. The film already came out in China and much of Asia and Europe in December and opens in US cinemas on February 17. Trump's anti-China rhetoric - which at times seems like the precursor to a trade war - could put a damper on the film's success. Then there is Trump's growing disdain for the Hollywood establishment, most recently seen in his post-Golden Globe spat with Meryl Streep. It doesn't look like he's going to be lending support to US-Chinese film projects in the near future. Matt Damon, William Dafoe filmed in China "The Great Wall," the largest US-Chinese co-production to date, opens Thursday in German cinemas. Directed by Zhang Yimou of China, the film mainly features a Chinese cast, though the screenplay was written in Hollywood and A-list stars Matt Damon and William Dafoe are also on…... [read more]
Socialism, fascist-style: hostility to capitalism plus extreme racism
The groups that marched through Charlottesville last weekend with clubs, shields and cans of mace were clearly drawn from the most extreme and violent end of America’s far right. But key elements of the ideology of at least some of them echo themes that have animated populist groups across the political spectrum, including on the left. The United States was never immune to fascism. Not then, not now | David Motadel Read more In their chants and placards, the marchers were explicitly fascist, racist and antisemitic. One of their number is accused of murdering a leftwing activist with his car and injuring many more. They came prepared to do violence to leftists, whom they consider to be existential enemies. They weren’t shy about any of this, and the event was the crest of an extremist wave that has been swelling since well before Donald Trump’s inauguration. But at the same time, some of the groups that marched evince a hostility to neoliberal capitalism, which is equal to that of the most ardent supporters of Bernie Sanders, the leftwing populist who mounted a vigorous challenge to Hillary Clinton during last year’s Democratic primaries – although for the far right it comes inextricably linked to a virulent racism. Many also support the enhancement of the welfare state. For example, those marching under the red and blue banners of the National Socialist Movement (NSM) have signed up to a manifesto that supports a living wage, sweeping improvements in healthcare, an end to sales…... [read more]
Mission: Impossible 6 on hold after Tom Cruise breaks ankle jumping between buildings
Tom Cruise broke his ankle on the set of the upcoming "Mission: Impossible 6," causing a halt in filming while the action star known for performing many of his own stunts recovers, Paramount Pictures said on Wednesday. Paramount said the movie, one of the Viacom unit's biggest franchises, remained on schedule to open on July 27, 2018 despite the setback. Cruise, 55, was seen in a video on celebrity news website TMZ trying to jump between the roofs of two high-rise buildings and landing hard against a wall during filming in London over the weekend. He was later seen limping off the set. Cruise looked in considerable discomfort after the collision Credit: MEGA "During production on the latest 'Mission: Impossible' film, Tom Cruise broke his ankle while performing a stunt. Production will go on hiatus while Tom makes a full recovery," Paramount said in a statement. "Tom wants to thank you all for your concern and support and can't wait to share the film with everyone next summer." Paramount did not say how long production would be delayed. Hollywood trade paper Variety said filming could be halted anywhere from six weeks to three months while Cruise recovers. Variety said the actor also injured his hip. “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” in which Cruise reprised his role as agent Ethan Hunt, made more than $680 million at the worldwide box office in 2015, according to movie tracker BoxOfficeMojo.com Cruise has carved a career as one of Hollywood's top-earning and longest-running action stars, much of it built on his reputation for doing his own stunts,…... [read more]
England explore opportunity of possible All Blacks clash this autumn (From Keighley News)
England are exploring the possibility of staging a mouth-watering showdown against New Zealand this autumn. In a frustrating quirk of the international schedule, the game’s top two teams are not scheduled to meet until late next year, but Press Association Sport understands November 4 is now being examined as a possible window for an additional fixture. The All Blacks are due to face the Barbarians at Twickenham on that date and the Rugby Football Union believes a fourth autumn international – games against Australia, Argentina and Samoa form the current line-up – could be agreed. Who did Eddie Jones jokingly compare to the 'Big Bad Wolf'? ???? Find out in today's RBS 6 Nations Social: https://t.co/mINkYkJrky pic.twitter.com/ylSK8pYkhG — England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 14, 2017 “We are scheduled to play New Zealand in 2018 and if an opportunity came up to play them before then we would pursue it,” an RFU spokesman said. England and New Zealand have not met since 2014, when they played four times, but the clamour for the dominant forces in the northern and southern hemispheres to clash is growing. Expectation over the encounter has grown since last summer’s 3-0 series whitewash of Australia and has accelerated further after an unbeaten autumn and the successful defence of the RBS 6 Nations title, sealed by last Saturday’s 61-21 victory over Scotland. If England topple Ireland in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day, they will have become the sixth team to secure back to back Grand Slams and will eclipse…... [read more]
England explore opportunity of possible All Blacks clash this autumn (From The Argus)
England are exploring the possibility of staging a mouth-watering showdown against New Zealand this autumn. In a frustrating quirk of the international schedule, the game’s top two teams are not scheduled to meet until late next year, but Press Association Sport understands November 4 is now being examined as a possible window for an additional fixture. The All Blacks are due to face the Barbarians at Twickenham on that date and the Rugby Football Union believes a fourth autumn international – games against Australia, Argentina and Samoa form the current line-up – could be agreed. Who did Eddie Jones jokingly compare to the 'Big Bad Wolf'? ???? Find out in today's RBS 6 Nations Social: https://t.co/mINkYkJrky pic.twitter.com/ylSK8pYkhG — England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 14, 2017 “We are scheduled to play New Zealand in 2018 and if an opportunity came up to play them before then we would pursue it,” an RFU spokesman said. England and New Zealand have not met since 2014, when they played four times, but the clamour for the dominant forces in the northern and southern hemispheres to clash is growing. Expectation over the encounter has grown since last summer’s 3-0 series whitewash of Australia and has accelerated further after an unbeaten autumn and the successful defence of the RBS 6 Nations title, sealed by last Saturday’s 61-21 victory over Scotland. If England topple Ireland in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day, they will have become the sixth team to secure back to back Grand Slams and will eclipse…... [read more]
England explore opportunity of possible All Blacks clash this autumn (From Wiltshire Times)
England are exploring the possibility of staging a mouth-watering showdown against New Zealand this autumn. In a frustrating quirk of the international schedule, the game’s top two teams are not scheduled to meet until late next year, but Press Association Sport understands November 4 is now being examined as a possible window for an additional fixture. The All Blacks are due to face the Barbarians at Twickenham on that date and the Rugby Football Union believes a fourth autumn international – games against Australia, Argentina and Samoa form the current line-up – could be agreed. Who did Eddie Jones jokingly compare to the 'Big Bad Wolf'? ???? Find out in today's RBS 6 Nations Social: https://t.co/mINkYkJrky pic.twitter.com/ylSK8pYkhG — England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 14, 2017 “We are scheduled to play New Zealand in 2018 and if an opportunity came up to play them before then we would pursue it,” an RFU spokesman said. England and New Zealand have not met since 2014, when they played four times, but the clamour for the dominant forces in the northern and southern hemispheres to clash is growing. Expectation over the encounter has grown since last summer’s 3-0 series whitewash of Australia and has accelerated further after an unbeaten autumn and the successful defence of the RBS 6 Nations title, sealed by last Saturday’s 61-21 victory over Scotland. If England topple Ireland in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day, they will have become the sixth team to secure back to back Grand Slams and will eclipse…... [read more]
England explore opportunity of possible All Blacks clash this autumn (From Bucks Free Press)
England are exploring the possibility of staging a mouth-watering showdown against New Zealand this autumn. In a frustrating quirk of the international schedule, the game’s top two teams are not scheduled to meet until late next year, but Press Association Sport understands November 4 is now being examined as a possible window for an additional fixture. The All Blacks are due to face the Barbarians at Twickenham on that date and the Rugby Football Union believes a fourth autumn international – games against Australia, Argentina and Samoa form the current line-up – could be agreed. Who did Eddie Jones jokingly compare to the 'Big Bad Wolf'? ???? Find out in today's RBS 6 Nations Social: https://t.co/mINkYkJrky pic.twitter.com/ylSK8pYkhG — England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 14, 2017 “We are scheduled to play New Zealand in 2018 and if an opportunity came up to play them before then we would pursue it,” an RFU spokesman said. England and New Zealand have not met since 2014, when they played four times, but the clamour for the dominant forces in the northern and southern hemispheres to clash is growing. Expectation over the encounter has grown since last summer’s 3-0 series whitewash of Australia and has accelerated further after an unbeaten autumn and the successful defence of the RBS 6 Nations title, sealed by last Saturday’s 61-21 victory over Scotland. If England topple Ireland in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day, they will have become the sixth team to secure back to back Grand Slams and will eclipse…... [read more]
England explore opportunity of possible All Blacks clash this autumn (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
England are exploring the possibility of staging a mouth-watering showdown against New Zealand this autumn. In a frustrating quirk of the international schedule, the game’s top two teams are not scheduled to meet until late next year, but Press Association Sport understands November 4 is now being examined as a possible window for an additional fixture. The All Blacks are due to face the Barbarians at Twickenham on that date and the Rugby Football Union believes a fourth autumn international – games against Australia, Argentina and Samoa form the current line-up – could be agreed. Who did Eddie Jones jokingly compare to the 'Big Bad Wolf'? ???? Find out in today's RBS 6 Nations Social: https://t.co/mINkYkJrky pic.twitter.com/ylSK8pYkhG — England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 14, 2017 “We are scheduled to play New Zealand in 2018 and if an opportunity came up to play them before then we would pursue it,” an RFU spokesman said. England and New Zealand have not met since 2014, when they played four times, but the clamour for the dominant forces in the northern and southern hemispheres to clash is growing. Expectation over the encounter has grown since last summer’s 3-0 series whitewash of Australia and has accelerated further after an unbeaten autumn and the successful defence of the RBS 6 Nations title, sealed by last Saturday’s 61-21 victory over Scotland. If England topple Ireland in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day, they will have become the sixth team to secure back to back Grand Slams and will eclipse…... [read more]
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