Wings of Desire (1987)

Director: Wim Wenders

Starring: Bruno Ganz, Solveig Dommartin, Otto Sander, Curt Bois, Peter Falk

Primary genre: Romantic

Secondary genre: Fantasy

It is interesting to see how someone might interpret a film like “Wings of Desire” in the my-way-or-the-highway thinking mentality that is prevalent these days. Conceived before the fall of the Berlin Wall and the obvious separation of one city into two radically different fractions, Wim Wender’s creation is an ode to romance that lacks the traditional implementation that you might have expected if you have been relying only on American related content.

Wender’s opening might not make sense under its poetic and verbose wonder but those patient enough should be rewarded emotionally in a film that celebrates what it is to be human. Using an esoteric and occasionally stoic approach to examine timeless themes in the gorgeous neo-classical architecture and multi-culture that only the city of Berlin can offer, Wenders chooses to add extra layers of subtle social commentary by allowing the inner voices of discontent Berlin citizens to be heard through roaming angels who provide us a moment of (unseen) comfort in an hour of need.

It is an unusual and unique story-based device that allows the plot to manifest itself short of magical exposition. What elevates though “Wings of Desire“ are Wenders’ efforts that bring nicely a romantic aspect to this storyline avoiding simultaneously melodramatic touches which has to be experienced with knowing as little as possible. Like the angels themselves, the audience is an observer here and we are not asked to actively anticipate specific outcomes that might cause delight from our perspective.

The hypnotic and otherworldly score by Jurgen Knieper and Laurent Petitgand dresses the proceedings in an unorthodox way, prioritizing themes first and sentiments second. A scene in Berlin’s State Library, is a standout in its spectacular simplicity and minimalistic tone under a wonderful black and white cinematography that fits right into existential drama territory, guided by Wender dynamic camera moments without emotionally manipulate viewers under copious amounts of heavy exposition or flashy directional tricks.

Wenders and two more screenwriters fill the film’s events with several internal and self-questioning monologues, heavily populated by philosophical questions that range from well-intended existentialism to the role of fate and moment savoring; the latter in the form of Peter Falk who plays a fictionalized version of himself full of heart and warmth. Although the film is fragmented into several parts each one having its own distinct “hero” so to speak, the main catalyst is Bruno Ganz’s Damien in a career defining role that in the hands of a lesser actor it could have become a caricature complementing greatly the romantic aspirations of Solveig Dommartin’s free spirited but melancholic trapeze artist among other unique individuals who reside in the streets of Berlin (including a cameo by a well-known Aussie music icon too!).

“Wings of Desire” is German cinema at its peak, an insightful and meticulous glance of what makes us human devoid from grandiose melodrama (the remake “City of Angels” (1998) starring Nicolas Cage and America’s sweetheart Meg Ryan is a prime example of how not to do a remake). The raw plethora of characters along with the lurking direction of Wenders makes “Wings of Desire” a very rewarding film which it will offer you more meaning as you get older.

German cinema at its finest

+Mesmerizing performances by Gans and Dommartin

+Fantastic cinematography

+Excellent direction

+Gorgeous physical locations around Berlin

+Esoteric and stoic core concept

+Exploration of what makes us human from an outsider perspective

+Excellent and eerie score

+Nick Cave makes a cameo!!

-Long monologues might switch some off