Hälfte des Lebens

The German poet Friedrich Hölderlin is unique. He had no scholars or followers. But nobody disputes his brilliance today. This movie gives an insight into the middle years of Hölderlin's life. His unfulfilled and forbidden love for a rich merchant's wife, his struggle for poetic and political truth. The Napoleonic Wars form the background for this scenery. The film takes its time and develops its story slowly and carefully. Excerpts from Hölderlin's works and contemporary classical music are skilfully incorporated again and again. The actors are terrific, especially Ulrich Mühe as Hölderlin, the poet that lived the second half of his live in mental illness. A recommendation!