Cheap Schlafes Bruder [Region 2] (DVD) (Joseph Vilsmaier) Price

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Customer Reviews of Schlafes Bruder [Region 2]

Solitude Retained
I liked the movie. I do not know about the novel, but I think every piece deserves a consideration in its own right. To me, the film is about how people in solitude, estranged from human society in one way or the other, try to cope with their lives and eventually fail. The movie shows two different instances, Michel and Elias. The former is alienated by his thoughts, the latter by his musical ability. But for all we learn about both protagonists they live outside the village society of Eschberg and have always done so.

The point I see in this movie is rather general. Human society develops a rigid idea of what to embrace and what to ignore, and outsiders and strangers belong very much to the second category. Despite his love and desire, plus that of Elsbeth and Peter, Elias is shown to be unable to enter society, even in its most basic form of a partnership. The only direct communication between Elias and Michel right at this point is a logical consequence to the observer. Do they both feel they are doomed, that it goes downhill from there?

It is left to the spectator to believe that the film portrays the middle ages and similarities to the global village of today are faint. I myself, however, was left disturbed and scared. I think the movie addresses a problem that we face much more today than in the past.

Despite that I am wondering about two questions: (i) Is the point of the movie similar to Albert Camus' The Stranger, and (ii), is the relationship between Elias and Michel modeled after that between Jesus and John.

One of the most amazing film I have ever seen
The atmosphere and beauty of this film is exquisite, it is off set brilliantly by the bleakness and violence of the peoples' lives in this lonely Alpine village, and Elias struggle between his love of his music and the love of Elsbeth, I know I am waxing poetic a bit, but it is worth it.