Cert 12A
108 mins
BBFC advice: Contains moderate injury detail and threat.
So, I have climbed The Wall and claimed my 300th review of 2013.
And a bit of a Brucie bonus was that Julian Polsler's movie was in such clear German it gave me a chance to practice the language I studied for my degree.
However, Mrs W wasn't convinced by The Wall's merits. "This is a bit arty, '' she uttered, dismissively.
The Wall is certainly that and I struggled to explain why, when it is the type of film which is outside my comfort zone, I enjoyed it so much.
It surrounds the bizarre concept that a woman (Martina Gedeck) wakes one day in the countryside to find that an invisible wall has cut her off from the outside world.
Indeed, when she reaches the extremities of the wall, she finds that time has literally stood still on the other side.
So, she has to survive alone...with her faithful dog, two cats and a cow.
In fact, it is eye-opening how easily she acclimatises to her situation, becoming an adept country huntswoman/farmer.
The Wall was originally a novel and the skill of its adaptation comes through its presentation.
Gedeck narrates her own story, telling it through elongated flashbacks.
It is clear that as time progresses she becomes more and more at ease with her plight.
Could this be a metaphor for those stuck behind the Berlin wall or is it attempting to be something far deeper?
I can't say that I am nearly clever enough to have a conclusion but what I do believe is that The Wall is a fascinating piece of work with soft-touch direction, great cinematography and a stand-out performance by Gedeck.
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 8/10