Against the Wall

Have you checked out *Against the Wall* yet? I saw it’s just hitting theaters now. I actually happened to be stuck in Germany during the Berlin International Film Festival, and there was a massive scandal back then because leaked pornographic clips of the lead actress, Sibel Kekili, were released. Anywho, the movie has been getting a ton of praise and picked up a few awards—makes me wonder if it's actually any good.

This movie is absolute gold. Seriously, go see it! The acting is top-tier—honestly, those Hollywood charity cases could never. It’s just a massive bummer that there were barely fifteen people in the theater during the screening at an upscale AMC Theatres like that... Are people here really that mindless? Like, are we all so obsessed with those massive American blockbuster trash heaps that we can't appreciate anything that doesn't rely on heavy CGI and some polished celebrity faces to sell it? They can't make anything worth watching without that stuff! 🙂

People around here aren't just clueless, they're walking clichés. If a movie hasn't been hyped to death with a hundred different ads, if the trailers aren't flashy as hell, and if it isn't some big Hollywood blockbuster, nobody gives a damn. They won't even look twice.
There’s a massive pile of brilliant cinema coming out of Germany that's basically pure genius—just look at "Run Lola Run."
The real issue in cities like New York is that movies like that aren't "commercial." And when you go to AMC Theatres, you're going there for the commercial stuff.
In places like NYC, those kinds of cinematic achievements used to be reserved for the local film archive, the national film institute, or maybe the student union. And those places were always packed with people who actually have taste, not just mindless consumers.
Trying to shove a movie like that into an AMC Theatres is a complete disaster. First off, the crowd expecting more than just a list of famous names and predictable American glamour isn't even going to notice something slightly less superficial playing in that setting. Meanwhile, the rest of the crowd hitting AMC to see the latest American hits won't even blink at something like this (proof? I saw exactly 13 people at the screening😁😁).

Then again, if someone is actually looking, they'll find it.

But most people just want everything handed to them on a silver platter.

The only reason this movie even hit the screens at AMC Theatres is because Blitz is handling the distribution. Otherwise, we probably wouldn't have seen it at all. Honestly, maybe the issue is that urban kids who actually know how to spot a decent film are too $9.75 when it comes to ticket prices! Luckily, I can swing it, so I actually go see movies that are worth my time!
They should really set up some kind of foreign film series at a discount in one of the smaller theaters. I bet if they did, films like Against the Wall, Elephant, Lily (which, by the way, AMC Theatres never even showed), God's City, Monsoon Wedding, and tons of other amazing flicks would be huge hits...

$1.25 yeah... exactly...
Look, a movie like this just doesn't belong in AMC Theatres. Let's be real—most people I know hit up the theater looking for an escape, some fun. They aren't looking to get bogged down by "heavy themes."😁

I noticed it during a screening of "21 Grams"—the theater was, well, half-empty or half-full, whatever you want to call it—but people were actually walking out right in the middle of the movie.

For me? The film is fantastic. It’s powerful, gut-wrenching, deep, and brutal.

And that's just how it is. It's not my place to judge anyone's taste, but like I said, 95% of people go to the movies for entertainment. That's reality.

If you want to see films that actually "stand out," you know where to go in the US—the local film archive.

It's honestly suicidal to put a film like this in AMC Theatres.

Or, if they're really going to try something like this, AMC Theatres should at least organize special screenings for international films.

But between the distributors and the way theaters operate, I don't think we'll be seeing a movie like this anytime soon...😁

Look, I totally agree that *21 Grams* is an absolute masterpiece. I’ve actually sat through it twice already. Given how things work here in America, he pulled off a seriously solid result—it pulled in nearly 20,000 viewers! I really can't get behind the idea that movies like this don't belong in an AMC Theatres. A massive multiplex with 13 screens absolutely has to have stuff like this in the lineup!!!
With the cash they rake in from those massive blockbusters, Blitz can definitely afford to screen some indie productions too...

Watched it yesterday. It’s a great film. The story, the acting, everything just clicked. I didn't even feel like I was watching a German movie... Definitely one of my top five so far this year.

Everything's been said, but I'll add my two cents and say the movie was great. Honestly, it might be the best thing hitting US theaters this year.

The film does a classic job of highlighting the gap between Hollywood blockbusters and everything else out there. It's a love story that isn't sugarcoated one bit. Blood, sweat, and tears—as Winston Churchill might put it. Literally.

Regarding the debate about where movies like this should screen, I don't think it even matters. If it weren't for AMC Theatres, who knows if we'd even see it in our local cinemas at all.

Then she gives me this little smile and says, "Well, obviously she stayed because he has such a killer apartment." Screw the apartment... seriously, I hope everyone living in those luxury condos just drops dead. And who’s to blame? Nobody. It's everything and nothing all at once. Who even bothers waiting to get out of prison these days? You fall in love, you kill yourself... forget love, just like that fake uncle guy used to say...
What do you guys think—is it actually worth killing someone over a woman? (Don't answer that)....
…
And Akine, do us all a favor and stay away from movies like this...
As far as I'm concerned, my movie year is officially over.

Caught it at the AMC Theatres downtown; the place was only about half full.

The movie blew me away—it was phenomenal. The acting, the script, the tension... everything was spot on. The ending felt a little weak and left some loose ends, but honestly, it’s not even a big deal.

Great film.

This movie is way too good to let you miss out on... I’d honestly go with you, but four times is pushing it!

Enjoy it!

Movie details here

Solid. I loved it. The music is insane... that piano theme is just too good. And that clarinet player? Pure magic. Everything about it was killer.

Did you guys catch that part near the end where he heads back to NYC and talks to his cousin, and they suddenly switch to English? Why though? Anyone know why?

Michael Mitchell said:Did anyone else catch that moment near the end when he returns to the city and talks to his cousin, and they suddenly switch to speaking English? I wonder if someone might know the reason behind that.

As far as I can recall, he doesn't actually speak Turkish, and his cousin doesn't know any German, so I suppose that's just how it is.

Exactly.

I spent some time scrolling through the discussion boards on IMDb.
People are saying his Turkish is absolutely terrible. Apparently, the actor couldn't even manage a single line without glancing down at a script tucked just out of frame. 😁

But honestly, the movie itself is fantastic.

I have to admit, I am completely obsessed with the lead actress. 😍
Sure, she’s got a pretty prominent nose, but once she flashes a smile, the woman just radiates pure warmth.
It’s easy to see why Caim fell for her.

She’s such a fighter, too. She never backs down, even when she has to go toe-to-toe with herself.

I’m actually quite thrilled that Sibel Kekili picked up that major German film award—mostly because it means everyone finally overlooked her earlier work, which includes titles like Hotel Fickmichgut, Sweet Teeny Dreams and Young Debutantes 19 😬

Does anyone know when this hits video stores? It never had a theatrical run here, and the local pirate sites don't seem to have it either.

I finally got around to watching it, and honestly? It’s a solid five-star movie for me.🙏
The music was incredible—those depeche-ovac fans fit the vibe of the film perfectly.

Akin is a damn genius. The atmosphere never slips once; that transition from the sheer, optimistic rush of newfound freedom to the harshness of reality? Masterfully done.*

Definitely worth a watch!

Btw, the lead actor is a way bigger discovery than Sibel.

* Okay, sorry about the language... I just had to let it out, couldn't help myself.

An absolutely stellar film. It actually just picked up the European Film Academy award for Best Picture for 2004 yesterday.

I caught this on DVD the other day. Honestly, it’s easily the best movie I’ve borrowed from a rental shop in years.

I couldn't sleep last night, and who popped into my head? That doctor from the start of the movie. Have any of you heard of the band The The? Die die das das... 🤣
my mind works in mysterious ways...

The movie is your typical solid European flick, but I’m not about to hype it up just because it isn't some mindless American garbage.
I’ve never been much of a fan of Turks either, but hey, at least they're being useful over in Germany. It turns out they aren't just digging ditches; they're actually digging deep... hitting those raw nerves, cutting ties with lost causes, and all that. Just great.😉