User Reviews

"This Is Love" is despite the title a German production from 2009 that is also mostly in the German language. It will soon have its 10th anniversary and at 105 minutes, it's neither a very long or very short work. It may not be one of writer and director Matthias Glasner's most known career efforts, but that doesn't mean it's not a strong achievement. I think it has to do rather with the heavy subjects of pedophilia and sex slavery that may be too difficult to stomach for general audiences. But it's not a film that delivers informatively like a documentary in these abysses that sadly are still very present in the 21st century. Instead it is a character study that basically shows how everybody involved in that complicated construct is a loser of the situations, especially from a mental and psychological perspective, not just a physical. Sure the part with the guy and Asian girl is the one at the very center of it all and the sub-plots may fade a bit next to that, but thanks to competent and talented actors like Harfouch and Striesow, these are also very much worth watching. The scene in the car for example near the end is truly powerful and among the very best the film has to offer. Like in several of his other works, Glasner (who got his longtime collaborator Jürgen Vogel in it too once again) succeeds once again in creating an insightful and relevant look at a "forbidden" subject, something that most people rather want to ignore and shut out instead of trying to understand it and gain a deeper insight into it. And what's best is that Glasner's work is handled very tastefully and never points with fingers at anybody. Another piece of evidence why he is among Germany's most successful filmmakers and has been for quite a while now. Go see it if you can stomach the contents. I hope you do because it really is a rewarding watch. Don't miss out on this highly atmospheric film.