Kriegerin

A film about right wing racism in Germany and a groan is predictable. While following the narrative of such stories, the cast and the style of the film offer a new perspective.

The film is presented in a semi-documentary style, with scenes and transitions which are more like a documentary. The near realism - or TV like visual style - makes the building of the story interesting and unpredictable.

The present is mixed with the back story of the lead character which allows for insight without her telling us because she can't.

The cast have seemingly inhabited the roles and the script and together with the camera work, which puts the audience in the center of things, adds to the directness of the film.

The story of racist violence is counterpointed with violence at other levels between the German characters and their families. In this grim environment a brief reconciliation emerges but is quickly shattered. The ending is almost poetic in an ugly place.

A very fine achievement.