Directed by:
Ofir Raul GraizerScreenplay:
Ofir Raul GraizerCinematography:
Omri AloniComposer:
Dominique CharpentierVOD (1)
Plots(1)
After the death of his lover, Thomas heads to Israel – the birthplace of the man he adored. Despite prejudice at his German origins he becomes the pastry chef at a local café owned by the widow of the deceased Oran. Yet she hardly suspects that the unnamed sorrow that connects her to the stranger is for one and the same man. (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)
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Reviews (5)
If I ever decided to visit a film festival, I would expect and appreciate exactly this type of film. It's moderate, has a slower pace, believable conflicts, and realistically modeled characters. It's not manipulative but rather encourages reflection and offers great restrained acting from both main actors. It gives space to the viewer, and it doesn't impose any categorical judgments on him. For me, my overall impression is an honest 80%.
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The plot cannot be guessed in advance, because Thomas the confectioner does not reveal much about his intentions and inner feelings. This is probably the charm of the very novel story, which flows at a slow pace until the emotionally tense conclusion. I was absolutely blown away by the performances of Tim Kalkhof and Sarah Adler, the subtle poetics of the narrative, and the sweetly morbid atmosphere, which was underscored by the beautiful strains of the piano music. (95%)
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I was expecting more from The Cakemaker given the awards and reviews, and was therefore a little disappointed in the outcome. The film has a strong premise, but the execution felt too flat and austere for my taste. I don't mind a slower pace, but in this case it was too slow, as it wasn't until the last ten minutes that anything proper started to happen. Considering the topic, I would have expected some strong moments during the plot, not at the end. The ending also didn't leave me with any deeper feelings to think about that would make me remember the film even a week after watching it. However, as far as the actors and their performances were concerned, I was satisfied. I also liked the minimalist music score.
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Subtle, relatively elegantly built, convincing acting. A film that works with the thesis that a shared emotional attachment to a missing third party can sometimes be stronger than sexual orientation. I appreciate the way Graizer avoids the pitfalls of melodramatic clichés and pathos, leaving some essential areas open (a wonderful episode with a mother). Above all, Tim Kalkhof carries the film with his robust figure, but also with his extremely subtle and modest acting. Bittersweet piano etudes - it's a genre and I respect the genre. In this form for sure. Kosher approved.
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