Nashorn im Galopp [Rhino Full Throttle]

Directed by Erik Schmitt in 2013, Nashorn im Galopp, also known as Rhino Full Throttle, is a distinctive, visually striking German short film that encapsulates a moving exploration of love, longing, and a unique quest for personal identity set against the vibrant backdrop of Berlin city.

Tino Mewes plays the lead role of Bruno, an eccentric young man with a deep-seated fascination and emotional connection to the city of Berlin. Mewes' interpretation of Bruno showcases an individual desperately noticing everything, absorbed by the smallest nuances and simultaneously in awe of the urban jungle around him. Mewes expertly captures Bruno’s inherent need to identify with the city, provoking sympathy and bonding with viewers who also seek to find themselves in their environments.

Marleen Lohse complements Mewes as Vicky, a key character that further pushes the narrative, imbibing it with doses of philosophical wonder, human connection, and a profound dialogue on existence. Lohse's portrayal of Vicky offers a striking contrast to Bruno — where Bruno is a seeker, Vicky is a passer-by, living a nomadic existence as she moves from one city to another, absorbing their respective energies and leaving bits of herself behind. Lohse manages to convey Vicky's wanderlust and deep-seated desire for roots with an uncanny ease, making the character incredibly relatable.

Folke Renken plays an intriguing, albeit smaller role, adding an additional layer of depth and context to the narrative.

The title Nashorn im Galopp, translating to “Rhino Full Throttle”, embodies Bruno’s emotional state and perspective. It serves as an analogy for his perception of Berlin - tough, intimidating, yet beautiful and filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. Like a rhinoceros charging through the savannah, Bruno dives headfirst into the daunting maze of Berlin in his quest for self-identity.

The film invites viewers into an engaging, philosophical dialogue about cities and their correlation to human identity. Bruno's devotion towards Berlin is contrasted by Vicky's nomadic lifestyle, thus pitting roots against wanderlust.

However, it’s not just the poignant narrative that sets Rhino Full Throttle apart. The unique visual aesthetic of the film is bound to leave an impression on the viewers. Erik Schmitt steers clear of clichéd imagery, opting for experimental techniques that make Berlin a character in itself and amplify its charm. Blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, the film employs a blend of live action, animation, and stop-motion, making it a visual spectacle.

The quirky animation sequences and visual metaphors combined with the stunning cinematography brings a sense of surrealism to Bruno's experiences, magnifying the normality of urban life into a mystical journey. Powerful use of music resonates with the visuals and is instrumental in setting the mood, perfectly complementing the kaleidoscope of the diverse spectrum of emotions portrayed on the screen.

Nashorn im Galopp also incorporates darker elements, indirectly highlighting the alienation and loneliness urban dwellers often experience. It subtly discusses the pace of the contemporary world, the hustle and bustle, and our attempts to keep up while striving for significance and identity.

In just 15 minutes, Nashorn im Galopp takes viewers on an introspective journey, encapsulating the universal exploration of personal identity, while raising introspective questions about society and self. Tino Mewes, Marleen Lohse, and Folke Renken's commendable performances, Erik Schmitt’s innovative direction, and the film’s striking visual language make Rhino Full Throttle an unmissable masterpiece that will linger in viewers' minds long after the credits roll. It is a feast for both mind and eyes, offering a fantastical, ethereal experience that is as palpable as it is intriguing.