The arts owe a tremendous debt to unreasonable fathers. Throughout history there are legions of young men forced into to unwanted careers, only to rebel or fail miserably before finding their true calling in literature, art, music, or science. In the case of polymath Johann Goethe his father sent him to Wetzlar to be a law clerk after botching his final exams in school. Here he met Charlotte Buff, became part of a love triangle and the result was The Sorrows of Young Werther, a book that made Johann Goethe instantly famous.
Young Goethe in Love is an absorbing film that reenacts the events leading to Goethe’s famous work. It perfectly captures the angst of a son trying to be obedient, while at the same time being lured away by the things he values most, beauty, music, art and poetry. Alexander Fehling is lovely as the sensitive Goethe. He displays an exuberance that is delightful to watch and he will break your heart when his life turns tragic. His muse, played by Miriam Stein is a fresh faced young lady that exhibits a sense a fun as well as a strong sense of duty. Watching her struggle between her own desires and the love of her family is heart wrenching. These actors together make the film.
In addition to capturing the beginning of the Weimer Classicism movement, Young Goethe in Love presents to us the essence of a young man facing the world away from family ties. It also illustrates the passions and emotional complexity of a budding intellect. The costumes and art direction transport you to that time, yet the performances allow you to make contemporary associations. It is easy to relate to this talented young man who grew up influencing a generation in a variety of disciplines. Goethe was a genius and if it wasn’t for a driving father he may have never reached his full potential.
Rating: First Run Let’s hear it for pushy fathers
About Me
- Melanie Wilson
- My Reviewer's Philosophy: I believe that every film has its audience. One man’s Citizen Kane is another man’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre. My purpose is to help you spend your entertainment dollars wisely. A bad review never kept me from going to a film I wanted to see, but a good review will sometimes get me to a film I never considered. As a movie lover I want you to go to the movies. When more people go to the movies, the more movies get made. But, I also believe that if you enjoy the films you see, you naturally will be inclined to go more often. So join me in supporting our film industry by going to a movie today. Hopefully I can steer you towards a good one. See you at the movies. Melanie Wilson
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