Rent Wings of Desire (1987)

Very personal and original art film. - Wings of Desire review by Steve

Wender's unique lyrical poem to human spirituality and the experience of being alive, in a wonderful black and white Berlin.

The Human Condition - Wings of Desire review by griggs

Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire is an evocative exploration of the human condition, blending poetic visuals with profound existential themes. The film delves into the essence of humanity through the eyes of Damiel (Bruno Ganz), an angel who yearns to experience mortal life’s physical and emotional realities. Set against the backdrop of a divided Berlin, the movie serves as a poignant time capsule, capturing the city’s dramatic landscapes and desolate wastelands, remnants of a bygone era.

The human condition is at the film’s core, portrayed through the angelic observers silently witnessing human existence’s intimate struggles and fleeting joys. Damiel’s longing to transition from an ethereal observer to a participant in the chaotic, tactile world of humans is a metaphor for the universal desire to find meaning and connection. His transformation is a testament to the beauty of ordinary life, where even pain and suffering are embraced as part of the rich tapestry of human experience.

Peter Falk’s performance as a version of himself is both surprising and deeply resonant. Best known for his role as the rumpled detective Columbo, Falk plays a former angel who has successfully transitioned to a human life. His character serves as a mentor and guide for Damiel, embodying the wisdom of one who has experienced both realms. Falk’s presence adds a layer of warmth and humour to the film, grounding its ethereal themes in the relatable reality of everyday life.

The film’s soundtrack, featuring Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, further amplifies its haunting and melancholic atmosphere. With its raw and emotive quality, Cave’s music perfectly complements the film’s exploration of love, longing, and existential angst. His appearance in the film is more than a musical interlude; it’s a narrative bridge that connects the celestial and the earthly, underscoring the visceral intensity of human emotion.

Wings of Desire also serves as a visual elegy for Berlin, capturing its stark and desolate beauty before the fall of the Berlin Wall. The city’s landscapes, depicted in stunning black-and-white cinematography, are imbued with a sense of historical weight and melancholy. These images of Berlin, with its ruins and empty spaces, are not just a backdrop but a character, symbolizing the division and isolation that mirrors the internal struggles of its inhabitants. As such, the film preserves a version of Berlin that no longer exists, making it an invaluable historical document and a work of art.

Wings of Desire is a masterful meditation on the human condition, enriched by Falk’s endearing performance and Cave’s poignant music. Its portrayal of Berlin’s dramatic landscapes and wastelands captures a moment in time, making the film an essential piece of cinematic history. It is a timeless exploration of what it means to be human, filled with beauty, sorrow, and an enduring sense of wonder.

Wenders Beautiful Adaptation of Postwar Berlin - Wings of Desire review by CP Customer

I've got to 2nd Steves review on this because it is such a wonderful film, not just for German cinema but for all cinema, going into this I'd seen Paris, Texas by Wim Wenders so I had an idea of his brilliance when adapting characters to a big story and creating lots of unique atmosphere, cinematography etc. but this just blew me away! The film starts in black and white as Ganz and Sander playing 2 Angels hovering over a postwar Berlin which looks to be a mixture of many things, certain things to come to mind from this like the bleakness of Berlin and the brilliant dialogue particulary with Ganz accompanying an old man who describes a world forgotten. We are entranced through many memorable shots of postwar Berlin and many civilian thoughts which could probably reflect thoughts of people the viewer knows, accompanied as usual by Wenders by a brilliant soundtrack that perfectly reflects the feeling of the film, the emotion of living here but yet the beauty of it all. Ganzs angel desperately wants to break free from being an angel and feel what the people are feeling having experienced most of it 3rd person, but not 1st person. It'd probably be pointless ruining any more of the film for newcomers but watch it and be amazed by one of cinemas many unique cinematic experiences.