Such a fine balance of humor and feeling is rare, superb performances from a wonderful ensemble of German actors (so sad that an international audience does not get to see more of these fine performers), great script, virtually flawless direction--what more do you want from a film? To make such a virtue of German understatement, where feelings run so strong underneath the surface. To use German inflexibility as a foil for real people who are truly able to break the rules to achieve happiness. This is not a fluke, simply a side of Germany most people don't get to see. A restaurant kitchen is such a universal setting that it doesn't matter that the film is set in Germany, in Hamburg. It seems familiar to all of us. And the emotions too are universal, and touching. One of the best films of the year.
Review of Mostly Martha
