I got to know this film through an extract of the famous kiss scene, but I felt this short part already so powerful and sensual that I immediately wanted to see all of it.
A film should be valued for what it is, independently of the fact that is a remake or not. The original Madchen in Uniform was banned and censored for decades, most of the copies were even destroyed by Nazis; we are not even sure today that the remaining material is fully the original one. Making a remake of it, in color, with contemporary and appreciated actresses, was absolutely topical and courageous, and the resulting indignation showed perfectly that the main theme was not only taboo in 1910 and 1931 but still in 1958.
For me, this film is much more about love than about sexuality between women. In this boarding school, where the only man is a small photography in one of the lockers, who wouldn't love the only kind and understanding person? At least a loving mother" for all the children (think about the good night kiss scene), but much more for a few of the girls. By nature, homosexuality is indeed a logical response to the monosexuality of this place, and for Manuela, women seem the only gender she has ever known. For Ms. Bernburg, young and obviously missing a sentimental relation, it's rather the only present gender, and Manuela is the first person to declare love to her.
Romy Schneider, already a star after Sissi's landmark role, was brave to opt for such a mature theme and talent-requiring character. Beautiful, captivating, and at the same time so naturally innocent and childish.
Therese Gieshe is gruesomely perfect in her oppressive Prussian headmaster role, determined to raise entire generations of tenacious housewifes for the forthcoming days and wars.
Lilli Palmer, in constant tearing between her institutional teacher and childminder role, is simply outstanding. And how not to discern all the little signs of how deeply she is affected? From the closure of her eyes during the kiss to the pauses she has to take, her embarrassment in many of the scenes and at the end the sadness in her eyes combined with the slowness she takes to leave but these feelings are not accepted in the school where she is imprisoned too.
Original German language adds to the Prussian harshness feeling, scenic sequences are followed by ingenious shadows & lights parts, but above all it's the eminent acting that enchants the viewer, making us completely forget that the often so important soundtrack is simply missing. Take time for the film, many sequences are worth watching and analyzing several times. Madchen in Uniform is not only a must see it's a must have!
A film should be valued for what it is, independently of the fact that is a remake or not. The original Madchen in Uniform was banned and censored for decades, most of the copies were even destroyed by Nazis; we are not even sure today that the remaining material is fully the original one. Making a remake of it, in color, with contemporary and appreciated actresses, was absolutely topical and courageous, and the resulting indignation showed perfectly that the main theme was not only taboo in 1910 and 1931 but still in 1958.
For me, this film is much more about love than about sexuality between women. In this boarding school, where the only man is a small photography in one of the lockers, who wouldn't love the only kind and understanding person? At least a loving mother" for all the children (think about the good night kiss scene), but much more for a few of the girls. By nature, homosexuality is indeed a logical response to the monosexuality of this place, and for Manuela, women seem the only gender she has ever known. For Ms. Bernburg, young and obviously missing a sentimental relation, it's rather the only present gender, and Manuela is the first person to declare love to her.
Romy Schneider, already a star after Sissi's landmark role, was brave to opt for such a mature theme and talent-requiring character. Beautiful, captivating, and at the same time so naturally innocent and childish.
Therese Gieshe is gruesomely perfect in her oppressive Prussian headmaster role, determined to raise entire generations of tenacious housewifes for the forthcoming days and wars.
Lilli Palmer, in constant tearing between her institutional teacher and childminder role, is simply outstanding. And how not to discern all the little signs of how deeply she is affected? From the closure of her eyes during the kiss to the pauses she has to take, her embarrassment in many of the scenes and at the end the sadness in her eyes combined with the slowness she takes to leave but these feelings are not accepted in the school where she is imprisoned too.
Original German language adds to the Prussian harshness feeling, scenic sequences are followed by ingenious shadows & lights parts, but above all it's the eminent acting that enchants the viewer, making us completely forget that the often so important soundtrack is simply missing. Take time for the film, many sequences are worth watching and analyzing several times. Madchen in Uniform is not only a must see it's a must have!