Western (2017)

German construction workers building a dam near a Bulgarian village interact with the locals, and soon the troubles arise both with the locals and among themselves.

Director:

Valeska Grisebach

Writer:

Valeska Grisebach

Stars:

Meinhard Neumann, Reinhardt Wetrek, Syuleyman Alilov Letifov

16 wins & 18 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Meinhard Neumann	...	Meinhard
Reinhardt Wetrek	...	Vincent
Syuleyman Alilov Letifov	...	Adrian
Veneta Fragnova	...	Veneta
Viara Borisova	...	Vyara (as Vyara Borisova)
Kevin Bashev	...	Wanko
Aliosman Deliev	...	Mancho
Momchil Sinanov	...	Manchos Großvater
Robert Gawellek	...	Tommy
Jens Klein	...	Jens
Waldemar Zang	...	Boris
Detlef Schaich	...	Helmuth
Sascha Diener	...	Marcel
Enrico Mantei	...	Wolle
Gulzet Zyulfov	...	Gulzet

Storyline

A group of German construction workers start a tough job at a remote site in the Bulgarian countryside. The foreign land awakens the men's sense of adventure, but they are also confronted with their own prejudice and mistrust due to the language barrier and cultural differences. The stage is quickly set for a showdown when men begin to compete for recognition and favor from the local villagers.

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Plot Keywords:

construction | language barrier | horse | quarry | stream | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Official Sites:

Komplizen Film [Germany] Official Facebook

Country:

Germany Bulgaria Austria

Language:

German Bulgarian English

Release Date:

24 August 2017 (Germany)

Also Known As:

Vestern

Filming Locations:

Petrelik, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria

Box Office

Budget:

€1,800,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,688, 18 February 2018, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$41,072, 28 June 2018

Company Credits

Production Co:

Komplizen Film, Chouchkov Brothers, Coop99 Filmproduktion

Technical Specs

Runtime:

121 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Features an entire cast of non-professionals, with the majority of them having this movie as their first credit.

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Connections

References Fata Morgana (1971)

User Reviews

Vulnerable Hero Venturing Across the Frontier Divide

On the frontier there is always someone who ventures beyond their companions in understanding and empathy for different cultures. A group of German construction workers in the Bulgarian countryside encounters difficulties with the locals and the foreign terrain. Tensions escalate from miscommunication, misuse of resources, corruption, selfishness, nationalism, arrogance and more. Meinhard, one of the Germans, becomes increasingly amiable with the locals. He attempts to understand their culture and ways, shares his knowledge, teaches a kid to ride a horse, helps with little tasks and drinks rakia (local liquor) late into the night with his new companions. Many among the Germans and Bulgarians do not like this. Even as Meinhard discovers solutions to difficulties and benefits to getting along, there are those in the shadows who want the divisions to remain and who believe that unless you eat, you will be eaten.

A compelling, wonderful and classical story of a vulnerable dreamer who dares to drift across the divide. The director maintained in the question and answer session after the film, that she places emphasis on what is going on inside the characters rather than any ultimate showdown. It is good that she does this, as it is truer to life. It allows the audience (me) to better identify with the characters. Non-professional actors were used in all the roles and the gamble worked, because the film felt more authentic this way. The director also maintained that she was not a micro-manager. She gave the actors space and the trust provided dividends. It makes me wonder why anyone, filmmaker or not, insists upon complete control. In advance of making the film, Grisebach lived in and learned about the area and its people, which turned out to be another good habit on her part. There were some beautiful shots of the landscape, and I wish there were more. Also, I wish there was a little more depth to the dialogue. Un Certain Regard (uncertain regard?) at Cannes. Seen at the Toronto International Film Festival.