Martina Gedeck, Nina Hoss in “Elementarteilchen” BR720 [2006 Germany]

Oskar Roehler’s awesome 2006 black comedy, “Elementarteilchen” [Eng. Title: The Elementary Particles] is a study of two half-brothers, each with a completely different character and outlook. Michael, the younger one is a successful scientist-chemist, while the elder Bruno, played by the brilliant Moritz Bleibtreu, is interested in nothing much apart from sex. He’s shallow, bigoted, and incapable of hanging on to a relationship, until he meets Christiane, a married woman going through separation, played by one of the finest actresses in Germany today, the lovely Martina Gedeck. He meets her for the first time at the nudist camp while she’s having sex with a boyfriend by the pool - and they instantly hit it off.

Mr. Bleibtreu won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival for this film. But I was also impressed by the screenplay and direction – the way it succeeds in connecting us with all the main characters – it’s a shame the film didn’t win a Golden Bear as well. Highly Recommended Viewing..!

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