Produced, directed and written in his traditionally episodic fashion by Greek filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos, the internationally produced Landscape in the Mist concentrates on a pair of runaway children, played by Tania Palaiogou and Michalis Zeke. The kids are en route to Germany, where they believe their father is dwelling. The adventures during their trek range from heartwarming (the kids are briefly "adopted" by a group of itinerant actors and by affable cyclist Stratos Tzortzoglou) and
harrowing (Palaiogou is raped by a callous truck driver). The film's title refers to the kids' perception of the "promised land" of Germany. Landscape in the Mist was the recipient of numerous festival awards, including the 1988 Venice Film Festival Silver Lion. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
There are some visually striking and dramatically effective moments in this film about two children who leave home for Germany in search of their father, but the 126 minutes seemed to last forever.
Unfortunately, Angelopoulos' conceptual grip is so vise-like that these two never seem to break out into anything resembling the spontaneous behavior of kids.
If the overall tone is bleak in its portayal of betrayals, loneliness and disillusionment, Angelopoulos' assured control of mood, Giorgos Arvanitis' superb camerawork, and the kids' glowing performances provide ample pleasures.
Pensive, tender, unforgettable. The only film so far where Angelopoulos's traveling camera and stretched takes connect with emotions other than self-regard.
What keeps the film from succumbing to the same orgy of artistic self-fondling is Angelopoulos's feeling for the characters as people rather than pawns.
Sadness and solitude.Can't spread any optimistic message if one erases the finale which is a huge diversion from most Angelopoulos' films.The little girl is a blast as with the visual silence of a film like that.
August 27, 2008
Dimitris Springer
Super Reviewer
Surprisingly good. It might be a little slow in the first half of it, but it is important for the construction of character in the story. Direction was amazing.
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