Horst in Translation (filmreviews@web.de) "Emmas Glück" or "Emma's Bliss" is a German movie from 2006, so this one had its 10th anniversary last year and it runs for almost 100 minutes (including credits). The film received some actually great awards consideration winning prizes at all kinds of festivals. The exception were perhaps the German Film Awards where the movie was nominated as well, but came short in all categories. In Germany, the film maybe went a bit under the radar in general because 2006 was the year for Oscar winner "Das Leben der Anderen". But looking at the number of ratings here on IMDb it seems that the movie is getting some more attention the more time has passed. This may also have to do with director Sven Taddicken and for him it is still the most known work. We will see if he can ever top the success as he is still a prolific filmmaker these days. For lead actress Jördis Triebel, it is probably also still the most known work as of today. I don't think it is anywhere near her best though and I think I am a good judge of that because I have seen many of her performances and the fact that she is among the A-list of German actresses now is really not because of this film, even if it helps her popularity a bit I guess. Her co-lead in here is Jürgen Vogel and he is really the most known cast member I guess. He also won an important prize for his performance. I cannot say I agree with that though. Vogel is an actor in my opinion, who shines more through charisma than through range (unlike Triebel) and the role of a suffering man with a tragic fate is not really well-suited for him I would say. He has some pretty good films and performances under his belt. This is not one of them. As for the supporting characters, Feifel is much better than what he can show us here. Schönemann I am quite a fan of and I think he did a good job too. The German Film Award nomination may have been a bit too much, but he was ignored for other strong performances frequently, so I am fine with it. Overall, I have to give this film here a thumbs-down. I felt that Triebel and Vogel really did not have any great chemistry at all and as the film is basically all about them (together), I would say that that's really crucial and a negative deal breaker for me. I also don't like the violence against animals in here early on. The biking scene really (also very early) felt like a weak remake of the one in "Mädchen, Mädchen" (a film admittedly way worse than this one here). And towards the end, the scene with the knife and the neck just did not work for me at all. Nobody would want that to be done. Nobody would want to do that. There's a difference between men and pigs. Overall, I think this film is certainly a bit on the overrated side. I give it a thumbs-down and suggest you watch something else instead.

afhunter-06742 One of the best films I have ever seen. Simply beautiful story of love and loss. I found the setting in the country side delightful and poignant as it brought the earthy reality of life and death together as they belong.The humour is very good - not overdone and very delightfully distracts you from what could otherwise be considered a tragedy - instead it a a beautiful portrayal of life.Jördis Triebel portrays the country spinster so well and so cleverly. Her motorised bike rides are simply hilarious. While Jürgen Vogel is very believable in a difficult role.If you get the chance watch this film - you won't be disappointed.

Vineet Modi I saw this film at a festival in Delhi and was amazed at the inter-mingling of the characters and very linear story-line which was totally intriguing and extremely well shot. I reached a little late for the film (around 5-10 minutes I guess) but after the first couple of minutes of wandering, fully got engrossed in the film. The story is about a man with Pancreatic Cancer, who meets a beautiful village girl, Emma, who lives a rather alone and secluded life - away from the chaos-order of the city.. Well that's we initially suppose, because the truth is that her life is pretty chaotic within herself, and the coming of Max (the male protagonist) brings a refreshing, yet another chaotic change to her life... Confused? You have to watch the film to know what I mean! For instance, her kitchen, which is totally a mess, full of dirt, filth and gory pig blood... So is her room, her farm and her life - full of dirt, filth and dishonestly.Max on the other hand is a very dull, yet a powerful character. He represents every suffering soul on this plant, in pursuit of happiness.. but in his case he knows he could never, never be happy - he is soon to die because of his disease. He wants to go to Mexico to run away from his life (and probably his inevitable death)... Will he succeed in running away from his fate? Will Emma change for him - her world of chaos and routine? Will she accept Max's life of dullness and disease, giving him space to live in her heart, knowing he is soon to leave this world... Watch the movie to get your answers, while I ponder over mine!

M A A sincere movie which successfully triggers audience to think about questions of love, death, moral dilemma and purpose of life. Simple plot of story but the robust performance of the 2 lead characters does deliver extremely naturally and powerfully.The message to me is there may not be another life after life, but there is love after life, and that life is about quality not its length. This makes me think of another movie on the topic of euthanasia - The Sea inside. Is the law regulating this area sufficiently flexible to do justice to all cases? Can I love somebody by shortening his life? A very serious and philosophical question once again is raised through a beautiful and moving story. Another excellent film I have seen this year!