Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Hannah Herzsprung | ... | Caroline von Beulwitz | |
Florian Stetter | ... | Friedrich Schiller | |
Henriette Confurius | ... | Charlotte von Lengefeld | |
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Claudia Messner | ... | Madame Louise von Lengefeld |
Ronald Zehrfeld | ... | Wilhelm von Wolzogen | |
Maja Maranow | ... | Frau Charlotte von Stein | |
Michael Wittenborn | ... | Carl Ludwig von Knebel | |
Andreas Pietschmann | ... | Friedrich von Beulwitz | |
Anne Schäfer | ... | Charlotte von Kalb | |
Peter Schneider | ... | Christian Gottfried Körner | |
Elisabeth Wasserscheid | ... | Schwenke | |
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Christine Zart | ... | Haushälterin Stein |
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Wolf Dietrich Rammler | ... | Heinrich von Kalb (as Wolf-Dietrich Rammler) |
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Klaus Lehmann | ... | Henry Heron |
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Joachim Kappl | ... | Friedrich von Stein (as Joachim Kappel) |
The aristocratic sisters Charlotte and Caroline both fall in love with the controversial young writer and hothead Friedrich Schiller. Defying the conventions of their time, the sisters decide to share their love with Schiller. What begins playfully, almost as a game among the three of them, soon turns serious as it leads to the end of a pact. Written by Anonymous
I saw this at the CPH PIX film festival in Copenhagen, and was very impressed. Although much of the story that is shown is speculative, it appears to be highly qualified speculation. Whether it reflects historical reality or not, it worked exceedingly well as an epic cinema drama.
As the title says, "The Beloved Sisters" is about the two sisters who loved Friedrich Schiller. Schiller himself is a kind of supporting character, as seen through the eyes of the sisters. The actresses who play the sisters are very good indeed, esp. the older one (Caroline), and it is expertly illustrated how they actually love each other more than they love Schiller.
Highlights include the scene where the sisters sit by Schiller's sickbed in the dark, and (as I interpret it) he can't tell them apart, and the reconciliation scene towards the end where Schiller stands between the sisters, and then discreetly moves away, allowing them to reconnect. Very powerful stuff.
I enjoyed this 171 minute movie immensely and can't wait to watch it again. Definitely one of the best experiences at the film festival.
My rating: 9 stars out of 10.