Coming out
[spoiler]
This film is a rare gem. It takes a story that--although true--seems nearly incredible and renders it with such authenticity that it is entirely believable. Between the visuals, e.g. war-torn Berlin, 1940s styles, etc., and the utterly convincing performances from every actor in the cast, it never strikes a false note. Among the many powerful scenes, for me the most gut-wrenching and ultimately beautiful is the scene when Felice "comes out" to Lilly as Jewish. As a gay man, I immediately noted the parallels with my coming out: putting oneself in an utterly vulnerable position, revealing a long-held, potentially explosive secret to a loved one and waiting for the reaction with hardly a clue what it will be. Even though I've seen the film several times now, when that scene occurs, I relive it (and my own experience) each time like the first time. I can hardly hold back the tears of joy and relief when Lilly embraces Felice. Any anti-Semitism the surrounding culture might have instilled in Lilly is burned away in the intensity of her love for Felice. A great story made into one of the greatest homophile films. I only hope that Aimee and Jaguar are together again wherever they are.
"Tell you what . . . the truth is . . . sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it."--Jack Twist