Back in
1999, Tom Tykwer made an impressive debut with "Run Lola
Run", which was a big hit in its native Germany and made
a darn good impression on American audiences. With its techo-ish
soundtrack and a blazing red haired heroine who dashes all
over Berlin to save her boyfriend, "Run Lola Run"
had my adrenaline pumping for most of the film. It was a great
movie, and consequently made my Top 10 of that year. Tykwer
is back with "The Princess and the Warrior", and
although many will be disappointed by the film's much more
subdued pace, it is still rather quite a modern fairy tale
with lots of heart and style.
The film
has two threads of narrative. The first one is Sissy's. Played
by Franka Potente minus the flashy red hair, Sissy is a good-natured
nurse over at a psychiatric ward. She is kind and benevolent
to her patients, although sometimes too good. The seconds
story is that of Bodo's (Benno Fuhrmann). He is an ex-military
guy with a sad outlook on life who literally cries most of
the time (but because he has a gland problem). They are both
terribly haunted by their past, and when their paths cross
(under a big rig of all places), they form an unlikely bond
that will help them move on with their lives.
The first
thing that people will do after seeing this film is compare
it to "Lola". It is very evident that this one does
not have the same adrenaline rush as the former. "Lola"
was a fast paced mad dash. The whole movie was based on the
concept of time, and the film used it very effectively. The
action started out right away and didn't let up, yet surprisingly,
the characters were all humanized and everything worked.
I really
didn't mind the unhurried tempo of "The Princess and
the Warrior", although my biggest problem with it is
that it meanders quite a bit. It gets distracted every now
and then that the film feels a tad bit uneven. "Lola"
ran to its destination directly, while "Princess"
walked down the street and window shopped on the way.
Some of
the hospital scenes were unnecessary attempts to personalize
each patient. Or what about Sissy's friend Meikes, who lives
by the ocean? I thought she had more to do with the story
since there are numerous references to her, but I just felt
it was a strained and obvious effort to set some coincidences
into motion. Everything does not add up nicely here.
Nevertheless,
"The Princess and the Warrior" has a strong backbone
- the essence of a fairy tale about destined lovers. The movie
shines whenever either Sissy or Bodo is on screen. It is fascinating
the way their relationship unfolds between them. They are
both searching for something out there, and are unsure of
what it is. However, when they find it and realize what they
have, the magic between Sissy and Bodo sparks up the film.
It didn't matter if they met by chance or by destiny, all
that matters is that they met.
"The
Princess and the Warrior" might be a long stroll through
the park, but we eventually get to the other side. It is a
curious trip worth taking.
Film is
Rated R for disturbing images, some sexual content and language.
Running time is 135 minutes. German subtitles.
Mazzyboi
Mazzyboi's
Movie Review's
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