Never Look Away

Never Look Away, released in 2018, is a German epic drama film artistically crafted by acclaimed director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. Starring Tom Schilling, Sebastian Koch, and Paula Beer, the film is a riveting cinematic journey into the nexus of art, history, and human emotion.

Over three hours long, the film is an aesthetically pleasing masterpiece that dares to explore the intricate corridors of the mind of an artist, diving deep into the realm of personal and creative freedom. Spanning three decades of German history, Never Look Away seamlessly weaves together themes of love, societal constraints, art, and memory.

Tom Schilling embodies the role of Kurt Barnert, a prodigious artist from Dresden, whose childhood experiences during the Second World War profoundly shape his worldview and his art. Born with a striking affinity for art, Kurt discovers throughout the tapestry of his life that real truths lie hidden beneath the surface, and that art can in fact reveal these truths, lending a voice to those silenced by societal shackles.

Kurt's life experiences are vividly captured, intertwining personal and national history. One of the integral characters he encounters in his journey is Professor Carl Seeband, deftly played by Sebastian Koch. Seeband, a notable gynecologist with a scarring past and a serious veneer, becomes a constant in Kurt’s life, their paths crossing at crucial junctures in the story.

Paula Beer portrays Kurt's lover, Elisabeth "Ellie" Seeband. Ellie, a fashion student, is the daughter of Professor Carl Seeband. Kurt and Ellie share a heartwarming romance, filled with earnest affection and resilience in the face of a turbulent era. Their bond encompasses the essence of the film— they never look away from each other or from the truth.

Never Look Away's brilliance also extends to the way von Donnersmarck handles the atrocities of the Second World War, the unsettling calm of the post-war period, and the strained atmosphere of the East and West Germany division. These backdrops serve not only as chronological settings but also as a cornerstone for the characters' psyche and motivational drivers. The film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the time, and though it offers a very honest view of the damages inflicted by war, there is an underlying feeling of hope and resilience.

The film simultaneously traces Kurt's evolution as an artist, showcasing how the socio-political surroundings and his personal life influence his concepts and pursuit of artistic expression. It delves into the question of what makes 'true art', and how it closely mirrors reality. This grappling relationship between art and the artist, and the society that engulfs them both, forms the essence of the film's narrative.

Furthermore, Never Look Away isn't just a visual treat. The film breaks boundaries when it comes to the usage of music. The exquisite orchestration, composed by Max Richter, deftly percolates through the plot, enhancing the emotional intensity of various scenes. Together with the stunning cinematography by Caleb Deschanel, which amplifies every emotion and moment, the film becomes a mind-captivating spectacle.

With a compelling narrative, intricately detailed characters, and impressive performances, Never Look Away does not merely depict a story; it invites viewers on an immersive journey that paints a touching portrait of the human individual's experience within the wider scope of historical events. By having courage to directly confront the harsh truth of the era, Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck infuses the feature with a sense of intense emotional realism, unearthing profound truths about art, love, and life itself.

In conclusion, Never Look Away is a masterpiece, a tribute to the transformative and resilient nature of art, and a testament to the long-lasting impact of history on the individual and collective psyche. It is a film that is likely to resonate with audiences due to its extraordinary storytelling, sensitive handling of historical events, and insightful considerations of art's purpose and power. Watching Never Look Away is not just a viewing experience; it's a deep plunge into history, the universe of art, and an exploration of emotions and human resilience.