MovieChat Forums > Between Strangers (2002) Discussion > Extraordinary Ensemble Performance

Extraordinary Ensemble Performance


Insensitive, wine-sodden reviewers? Limited release? Surely there is an explanation for the unaccountable failure of this unassuming gem of a film, which features one of the finest ensemble performances by a group of heavyweight all-stars that any of us is likely to see again soon.

I believe it was slighted in Toronto. (I should redo my research to get the facts, which I may have wrong.) But I've noticed with dismay over the years that films whose hallmark is mystery and/or subtlety fare quite poorly among the self-consciously hip critics who cover film festivals. There is almost a competition, it would seem, to be seen as the least credulous and most savvy among a set whose groupthink standard is to avoid credulity and emotion at all costs. The big cost, in the end, of such a standard is that many good films get dismissed before they have much chance to find wide distribution.

Between Strangers is a beautiful, powerful, deeply significant film, with first-rate acting, assured direction, and a timeliness that should be scary, if the viewer is paying attention. It's a full-of-wonders fairytale for our troubled age. Ah--that perhaps explains why it lies slowly dying now of neglect.



"We counterfeited once for your disport
Men's joy and sorrow: but our day has passed.
We pray you pardon all where we fell short--
seeing we were your servants to this last." -Kipling, "Actors"

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I read about this movie on Klaus Marie Brandauer's board, and realized it was a must see after reading about the rest of the cast.
I was not disappointed, this was a wonderful film, with great performances by all,
my only complaint would be that Klaus and Gerard had too little screen time.
It's in a way very similar to Babel and is as good if not better.
See it.
Klaus Maria Brandauer is my new favorite actor, and Gerard has always been one of my favorites.

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