Love In Thoughts

Based on real events that took place in 1927, known as the Steglitz Student Tragedy, Achim von Borries' film tells the story of two college student friends, Paul (Daniel Brühl), a middle-class poet and Günther (August Diehl), a spoilt rich kid who go for a weekend in the country with Günther's sister, Hilde (Anna Maria Mühe) and end up inviting a large group of friends for a party. Paul is love with Hilde, Hilde is in love with Hans (Thure Lindhardt), Günther is love with Hans and Hans is in love with himself.  With emotions running high, alcohol flowing freely and a loaded pistol being passed around the scene is set for a disaster

Told as a back-story from Paul's perspective the rather misleadingly-titled film is an elegantly-crafted portrait of the romantic illusions, unrequited yearnings and petulant selfishness of youth. Stylishly capturing the look of the era (although with a suggestion, made explicit with a bit of 1920s turntablism, that this could be the story of any generation since), with careful production design and art direction and evocative cinematography by Jutta Pohlmann, and with impressively confident performances by the young cast (both Brühl and Diehl have since crossed-over to Hollywood film-making), Love In Thoughts is a fine addition to the extensive catalogue of films looking at the turbulent years between adolescence and adulthood.

 

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