Directed by:
Marco KreuzpaintnerCinematography:
Jakub BejnarowiczComposer:
Ben Lukas BoysenCast:
Elyas M'Barek, Alexandra Maria Lara, Heiner Lauterbach, Manfred Zapatka, Jannis Niewöhner, Rainer Bock, Catrin Striebeck, Pia Stutzenstein, Peter Prager (more)Plots(1)
Courtroom drama meets political thriller worthy of John Grisham in this explosive, spellbinding story about a young lawyer who comes across one of the biggest judicial scandals in German history and a truth that nobody wants to face. Fabrizio Collini (legendary Italian actor Franco Nero) is recently retired. He’s a quiet, unassuming man with no indication that he’s capable of hurting anyone. And yet, he brutally murders a prominent industrialist in one of Berlin’s most exclusive hotels. Collini ends up in the charge of Caspar Leinen, a rookie defense lawyer eager to launch his career with a not-guilty verdict. Complications soon arise when Collini admits to the murder, but refuses to give his motive, much less speak to anyone. As Leinen searches for clues, he discovers a personal connection to the victim and unearths a terrible truth at the heart of Germany’s legal system that stretches back to the aftermath of Nazi Germany. But how much is he willing to sacrifice to expose the truth? (Miami Jewish Film Festival)
(more)Reviews (2)
I have to admit, I was surprised to see Elyas M’Barek, known for his comedic roles, take on something so serious — and he absolutely nailed it. He chose a film where Germany once again confronts its painful history, poking at old wounds in the hopes that airing them out might lead to some healing. I have a lot of respect for German films like this. They’re unafraid to revisit the dark chapters of their past, especially the world wars, and acknowledge their mistakes. And in The Collini Case, there were plenty of those mistakes to go around. Aside from M'Barek’s impressive performance, Franco Nero also stands out. He may not have many lines, but every word he utters carries a weight that elevates his character to another level. Overall, this is a very solid courtroom drama.
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Fans of courtroom dramas can't complain. Germany surprised and Elyas M'Barek, a comedy actor, handled the serious role with ease. The film has a great theme, with a newly graduated lawyer getting his first case where he has to defend a murderer who killed his former lover's grandfather, and on top of that, he's up against a hostile and well-respected opponent. Great courtroom verbal shootouts, decent twists and turns, great actors and the biggest legal scandal in German history ever. What more could you ask for? 8/10.
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