Anselm

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1:50

Anselm

2023

1h 33m

Documentary

Biography

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

54 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

In Anselm, Wim Wenders creates a portrait of Anselm Kiefer, one of the most innovative and important painters and sculptors of our time. Shot in 3D and 6K-resolution, the film presents a cinematic experience of the artist's work which explores human existence and the cyclical nature of history, inspired by literature, poetry, philosophy, science, mythology, and religion. For over two years, Wenders traced Kiefer's path from his native Germany to his current home in France, connecting the stages of his life to the essential places of his career that spans more than five decades.

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Critics Consensus

Visually thrilling and refreshingly unconventional, Anselm pays mesmerizing tribute to a brilliant artist's life and legacy.

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Michael Phillips

Chicago Tribune

Feb 1, 2024

3.5/5

Wim Wenders documentary Anselm...makes sublime and supple use of the finest 3D film experience I can remember.

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G. Allen Johnson

San Francisco Chronicle

Jan 17, 2024

3/4

Kiefer’s legacy is told through his breathtaking work, much of it depicting desolate, bombed-out landscapes.

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Richard Whittaker

Austin Chronicle

Jan 11, 2024

3.5/5

It is as unique and thought-provoking as Kiefer’s own epic works.

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Javier Ocaña

El Pais (Spain)

Dec 24, 2024

The final images of Germany after the war evoke, more than the feeling of guilt, the desire for a new Germany that moves forward, although without ever forgetting. [Full review in Spanish]

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Philipp Engel

Cinemanía (Spain)

Dec 13, 2024

4/5

A documentary about art of great plastic beauty. [Full review in Spanish]

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Philip Bagnall

Loud and Clear Reviews

Sep 19, 2024

4/5

Anselm is not concerned with answering the questions the works raise, but rather invites the viewer to engage with the questions themselves. [...] exactly the kind of 3D experience we need: intelligent, challenging and heartfelt.

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Peter R

Jan 8, 2024

Part art film and part documentary. beautifully filmed in 3D a tribute and meditation on Anselm Kiefer, his history, art and craft

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Levi J

@Lev77 Mar 31, 2026

Absolutely beautiful film about an artist legend from the great Wim Wenders! ...p.s.) even better seeing it in 3-D! :)

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A M

@Amazer Jul 7, 2024

Absolute masterpiece

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Don L

@RT98863765 Dec 23, 2023

Not really a documentary--more of very, very, slow and more than occasionally pretentious art film. Kiefer's art is often impressive, and this might have made a nice 30-minute long moody art film. But over an hour an a half? Way, way, way too long.

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Wim Wenders

Director

Anselm Kiefer

Self

Wim Wenders

Writer

Karsten Brünig

Producer

Leonard Küßner

Music

Franz Lustig

Cinematographer

Anselm: Trailer 1

1:50

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Synopsis

In Anselm, Wim Wenders creates a portrait of Anselm Kiefer, one of the most innovative and important painters and sculptors of our time. Shot in 3D and 6K-resolution, the film presents a cinematic experience of the artist's work which explores human existence and the cyclical nature of history, inspired by literature, poetry, philosophy, science, mythology, and religion. For over two years, Wenders traced Kiefer's path from his native Germany to his current home in France, connecting the stages of his life to the essential places of his career that spans more than five decades.

Director: Wim Wenders
Producer: Karsten Brünig
Screenwriter: Wim Wenders
Distributor: Sideshow / Janus Films
Production Co: Road Movies Filmproduktion [de]
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Original Language: German
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 8, 2023, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $42.6K
Runtime: 1h 33m
Sound Mix: Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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