I really wanted to see this but know that expectations for films can be a negative momentum that might destroy the enjoyment of the movie.
So, throughout the first act I was somewhat disappointed. Altough it is indeed a devastating scenario, it felt like the movie did not trust me to feel bad enough already - dark colours, endless rain and a camera that does not dare to move away from Diane Krugers face...It annoyed me that the creation of a uncanny atmosphere felt so forced.
Yet, as the movie progressed, I was more and more amazed. The 2nd act brought in new camera work, longer, steady shots that brought stability into the images as the characters tried to find theirs. The transistion of the court speaking the sentence and Katja getting her tattoo was one of the most memorable edits I have seen in a long time. Overall the courthouse scenes had a really defined feel and setting to them, which underlined the characters strong play.
The third act made me afraid, I was expecting it to turn out like a usual "tough woman goes maverick"-thriller. Not that I don't enjoy that, I have just seen it too much and it would seem undeserving for this story.
But: This isn't a Hollywood production! The character was insecure, realistic, tangible, we could not see it coming how this drama would turn out but neither could the characters - and thats how life is. At times, we have no idea how to deal with tragedy, guilt, death, we're helpless in the face of institutional justice but also do not find ways to bring justice ourselves and when we are faced with our enemies, we might even doubt if we are the right ones to judge them. Hollywood gives these big questions simple answers, this movie does not.
After a bumpy start I grew to like this a lot.
