The story, based on a 1906 mining disaster while being set in the WW1 aftermath, sounded really interesting. Have grown to highly appreciate, and even love, German cinema (whether silent or sound). One of the masters and major influences of German cinema being GW Pabst, justifiably lauded but deserves to be better known in general. His films always looked wonderful with some of the best editing in film when active and his films handled difficult subject matters very realistically.
Among Pabst's best and most powerful films in 'Kameradschaft'. It may not have his pioneering directing of actresses he found and developed their skills or how he dealt with the fears, dangers and conflicts of his female characters. What 'Kameradschaft' does have however is his usual seamless editing that few other directors at the time excelled this well at and his pioneering street realism. Few directors that started their careers in silent films transitioned well into sound, although his best work was in silents Pabst did transition well.
'Kameradschaft' is not quite a masterpiece but it nearly is. Some of the downtime moments drag on a bit.
Otherwise, 'Kameradschaft' is wonderful. Especially excelling in the production values, its emotional impact and how it handled its subject. Lets begin with how the film looks, which is nothing short of amazing. The cinematography is a marvel, full of expressive style and haunting atmosphere that enhances the human fragility and conflict better than any other film did at the time. The use of light and montage is pretty ingenious and adds so much to the mood. The seamless editing that Pabst's films became known for is on full display here, nothing stilted or static about it at all when some early talkies did have this problem.
Pabst's direction also can't be faulted. It creates a sense of tense uneasiness without ever being ill at ease, handling a harrowing subject and executing it in a very moving and pulling no punches fashion. Scenes are uncompromisingly claustrophobic. The film, in setting and story execution, feels very realistic, Pabst's unique street realism is on full display, the sets may be studio sets but they are also very handsome and evocative (the cinematography and lighting enhancing them) and the period and setting also feels authentic.
It is a very thoughtfully scripted film and the story is one that doesn't hold back or shy away from showing the impact of something so disastrous and it still shocks and moves. The message is sincerely delivered, didn't feel heavy-handed and is hardly irrelevant today. Some may feel that the ending jars tonally, to me it struck me as very profound. The performances are natural and don't get histrionic, but it's the visuals and the emotional power that stays with you.
Wonderful film overall. 9/10
Among Pabst's best and most powerful films in 'Kameradschaft'. It may not have his pioneering directing of actresses he found and developed their skills or how he dealt with the fears, dangers and conflicts of his female characters. What 'Kameradschaft' does have however is his usual seamless editing that few other directors at the time excelled this well at and his pioneering street realism. Few directors that started their careers in silent films transitioned well into sound, although his best work was in silents Pabst did transition well.
'Kameradschaft' is not quite a masterpiece but it nearly is. Some of the downtime moments drag on a bit.
Otherwise, 'Kameradschaft' is wonderful. Especially excelling in the production values, its emotional impact and how it handled its subject. Lets begin with how the film looks, which is nothing short of amazing. The cinematography is a marvel, full of expressive style and haunting atmosphere that enhances the human fragility and conflict better than any other film did at the time. The use of light and montage is pretty ingenious and adds so much to the mood. The seamless editing that Pabst's films became known for is on full display here, nothing stilted or static about it at all when some early talkies did have this problem.
Pabst's direction also can't be faulted. It creates a sense of tense uneasiness without ever being ill at ease, handling a harrowing subject and executing it in a very moving and pulling no punches fashion. Scenes are uncompromisingly claustrophobic. The film, in setting and story execution, feels very realistic, Pabst's unique street realism is on full display, the sets may be studio sets but they are also very handsome and evocative (the cinematography and lighting enhancing them) and the period and setting also feels authentic.
It is a very thoughtfully scripted film and the story is one that doesn't hold back or shy away from showing the impact of something so disastrous and it still shocks and moves. The message is sincerely delivered, didn't feel heavy-handed and is hardly irrelevant today. Some may feel that the ending jars tonally, to me it struck me as very profound. The performances are natural and don't get histrionic, but it's the visuals and the emotional power that stays with you.
Wonderful film overall. 9/10