I wonder what would you do when you found out that you have an incurable disease and you only have to enjoy life for about a week? How would you spend your last days? Crying into a pillow, lamenting fate, or would they try to fulfill their most cherished dream, as Martin and Rudi did in the cult drama “Knockin 'on Heaven”? The film by German screenwriter and director Thomas Jan was released in 1997 and immediately captivated millions of viewers in different parts of the world. The phrases from this film became aphorisms and found a response in the soul of many people.
Plot
So, in the center of events are two young people who did not know about each other until they were brought together by sad circumstances. Martin Brest is not particularly burdened with the rules and norms of society. Even when he finds out about his terrible diagnosis - a brain tumor - he continues to violate the prohibitions and do not care about the hospital staff. A decent and loyal Rudy Wurlicer, who has never committed illegal actions, falls into one chamber with him. His diagnosis is bone sarcoma. Young people were sentenced to death, and there was very little left for them to live.
They get to know each other and run away from the hospital in a stolen car, obsessed with the idea of going to sea. After all, for those who have not seen how the salt waves absorb the rays of the sun at sunset, there is nothing to tell in paradise. And they decide to do it at all costs in order to reach out to heaven. The actors played their roles in such a way that they made the audience believe and sympathize with their heroes.
About the film
This film mixed in itself such genres as drama, crime and comedy. Watching the movie is allowed for people from 16 years old. The picture got its name from the song of the same name by Bob Dylan, performed by the German group Selig. The creative team of the Mosfilm film studio performed a full Russian dubbing in 1997.
The awards and nominations that the film “Knocking on Heaven” received, the actors and the director, no doubt, deserve:
- Silver "St. George". The award for Best Actor went to Till Schweiger.
- Nomination “Prize” for the best film - Golden “St. George”.
- Highest German award Deutscher Filmprei.
- Ernst Lubich Award.
- Golden Screen.
Interesting Facts
- If you translate the name of the film literally, it means "Knocking on the heavenly gate."
- The name of the hero Martin Brest was given in honor of the director.
- There is a Japanese remake of the film, which was released in 2009. Its plot differs only in that the main characters are a guy and a girl.
- The name of the hero Rudy Wurlicera is the name of the screenwriter of the film "Pat Garrett and Billy Kid."
- Director Thomas Yang meets in the episode as a taxi driver.
- Close-ups of the movie often advertise Hella optics.
Knocking on Heaven: actors and movie reviews
Each film is remembered by the audience not only for an interesting story and soundtracks, but also for heroes, and more precisely, for the game of people who play these roles.
1. "Knocking on heaven." Actors
Undoubtedly, the main memorable figure in the film is Martin Brest, played by Til Schweider. For his role, he received a well-deserved award. His excellent play makes us sympathize with the hero, who suffers from attacks due to a tumor in his head, but who does not lose faith in the fulfillment of his dreams.
No less talented is Jan Joseph Lifers, whose hero - Rudy Wurlitser - is changing throughout the time spent with his “partner” and realizes that to achieve his goal it’s stupid to be afraid of something.
Also memorable roles in the film were played by Thierry Werveke (Hank), Moritz Bleibtroy (Abdul), Rutger Hauer (Curtis) and other talented actors.
2. "Knocking on heaven." Reviews
The rating of the film suggests that the picture was not just a success. It can, without fear, be called a masterpiece of cinema. Reviews about the film are mostly positive. People express their enthusiasm and advise this film for viewing.
Today, most likely, there are no those who have not watched this film, have not heard about it, or do not know the famous sayings of the heroes.