MovieChat Forums > Out of Rosenheim (1988) Discussion > Why is this movie so wonderful?

Why is this movie so wonderful?

posted 15 years ago by PhilipChandler
5 replies | jump to latest

Brenda and Jasmin are two women who form such an intense friendship -- and such an unlikely, but genuine friendship -- that differences in race, national origin, marital status, love interests, and abilities are absolutely irrelevant to them.

I don't know why I love this movie so much! It lacks a conventional plot; it lacks a structure; it lacks so many of the normal attributes that cause movies to succeed -- yet this rare gem has captured my heart, and I have watched this movie over and over and over again, always loving it. The constant refrain of the Bach Preludes and Fugues, played by Brenda's son, acts as an auditory backdrop that matches the bleakness of the desert. Jasmin makes absolutely no excuses for her appearance, her bizarre behavior, her husband's clothing, or her mannerisms. During the brief period during which they are separated (after the sheriff forces Jasmin to return to Rosenheim, and before Jasmin returns on a new visa), it is as though all life has been drained from Brenda.

The magic tricks performed by Jasmin are matched by the genuine magic of the relationships that she forms with Brenda, with Rudi, with Brenda's children, and with the other, unlikely members of the cast!

This movie is not easy to rent. I don't know why, but very few movie rental establishments carry this beautiful little film. Treasure it if you are able to find it!

PHILIP CHANDLER

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] sebekm 14 years ago

This movie has been one of my favorites for a long time. In fact, I was first inspired to watch it only after listening to a CD of the soundtrack. I think one reason the kids don't "get it" is that the film is really a character study of adult behavior, without the typical gimmicks that sell movies nowadays: hand-to-hand combat, car chases, gunfire, million-dollar stunts, and bombastic sex. I think that this movie appeals primarily to people who watch a movie to learn something--about themselves or about human nature. And it delivers, providing a wonderful expose' of the intricacies and development of interpersonal relationships. The unusual setting of the desert cafe', along with the quirkiness of the characters and the outstanding musical score, just add spice to the sauce. Definitely a film for "thinking men and women," it takes some effort to "get it" - something most of today's moviegoers are unwilling to expend.

[–] Wot_larks 14 years ago

It's a move about how the appreciation of beauty is necessary to life. Jasmin sees the underlying beauty in the cafe and uncovers it by cleaning, which allows Brenda to see it too. Notice what happens to Brenda's voice, stance, and dress after Jasmin cleans her office. Jasmin also sees the underlying beauty in Salomo's playing. When she listens to him appreciatively (unlike everyone else), it allows him to move away from his mechanistic way of playing and feel the music for the first time. And when Rudi sees her as she listens, he softens and can paint again. She's a true magician, a trickster who changes lives, and she does it all by noticing the beauty in everything.

[–] PeterBlues 9 years ago

even though it doesn't have much of a plot, its still captivating and memorable, wonderful soundtrack and photography. i know one release run 20 minutes longer than the other. for me atleast the end of this movie had you wanting more and that it continued further.

when i'm with her, i don't feel a thing,
heart yearning for you, what can i do,
miss you a hell of a lot,
times i had with you is all i got,
its what i keep dreaming of,
missing the laughter and smile,
the magic and shine,
that you brought to my life,
i need you to make me feel good,
but now you've said goodbye,
i can't help but cry,
and i don't feel a thing when i'm with her.

[–] slimone (7996) 6 years ago

I love this movie, and watched it again last night. It shows how one person (Jasmin) developed a friendship with another (Brenda) and changed an entire town. Beautiful!