Young Goethe in Love

102 minutes

Germany

Germany 1772 -- the young and tumultuous Johann Goethe (Alexander Fehling) aspires to be a poet; but after failing his law exams, he is sent by his father (Henry Huebchen) to a sleepy provincial court to mend his ways. Unsure of his talent and eager to prove himself, Goethe soon wins the praise and friendship of his superior Kestner (Moritz Bleibtreu). But then Lotte (Miriam Stein) enters his life and nothing is the same as before. However, the young lovers are unaware that her father has already promised Lotte's hand to another man. Director Phillip Stazl ("Northface") returns to the very wellspring of Romanticism -- Goethe's autobiographical masterpiece "The Sorrows of Young Werther" -- and conjures up a beguiling and refreshingly innocent period romance.

88% on the CINEMETER

90% - Nov 6, 2011

Beautifully done, well-acted, everything was so well done. It felt like an old-fashioned movie where time stood still. The costumes, sets, sound, music-- all so textured and detailed. It felt like an immersion in another world, in another time.
Washington, DC Member

A fine tale about an historical figure. Entertaining. Well done. Love is indeed at the center of the universe. As always, behind every great man is a great woman.
Washington, DC Member

This was a pleasant movie-- of Masterpiece Theatre genre. Nothing innovative or challenging, but lovely. I will recommend it because it was entertaining. Peter Pfeiffer was fantastic– the discussion added a great deal more than just watching the film. Thanks!!
Washington, DC Member

STL

83% - Nov 6, 2011

The film is an exceptional representation of the seminal German Romantic work. I believe the portrayal of the youth of the Romantic movement of the period, especially Goethe, was spot on.
St. Louis Member

Young men need to fall in love but must realize that life has other emotional entanglements that complicate the love equaiton. Keep a pure heart and live for the day as well as the future!
St. Louis Member

Director nicely captured the quintessential character of young men. Beautifully filmed. Great costumes. Age old LOVE story where reality trumps passion. The only upward mobility possible in life was to marry well, even without love. Taking care of family was everything.
St. Louis Member

Oct 30, 2011

88% - Nov 6, 2011

Delightful movie, if a little slow.
Greater New Haven Member

Simple love story that was thoroughly enjoyable. An overuse of digital imagery that distracted me from the flow of the story.
Greater New Haven Member

Great Movie! - Hated for it to end - very realistic re: the dirt and living conditions. Lotte was so engaging - what a smile: like a young Debra Winger!
Greater New Haven Member

MIL

84% - Nov 20, 2011

Beautiful photography and scenery.
Milwaukee Member

German romanticism is full bloom! An unbelievable change from the director of North Face.
Milwaukee Member

Guest commentator, two thumbs up. Insightful.
Milwaukee Member

BOS

Oct 30, 2011

BOCA

92% - Dec 18, 2011

Loved the scenery. It's more than truth, it's poetry. Sometimes you give up the one you love and it still works out best for both.
Boca Raton Member

Delightful, tender, a joy to watch. Shows an experience of a time I knew little about.
Boca Raton Member

The ending was a little too contrived but enjoyable.
Boca Raton Member

ATL

89% - Nov 6, 2011

As a 15 year old boy these types of films are usually not my cup of tea, yet as a lover of film I can not say I did not love this movie. The vibrant and beautiful color and music perfectly reflected the mood and plot and turned dark and somber when necessary. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Atlanta Member

Charming and sweet. Captures the struggle between feelings and practicality, between passion and duty. Wunderbar!
Atlanta Member

A Wonderful period piece with a transcendent theme.
Atlanta Member

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