YOUNG GOETHE IN LOVE – The Review

YOUNG GOETHE IN LOVE was originally reviewed as part of the 2011 Stella Artois 20th Annual St. Louis International Film Festival

In the tradition of films such as NOWHERE BOY  and SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE  comes another film depicting the per-recognition, early days of a now world famous artist- YOUNG GOETHE IN LOVE. The title truly gets the main thrust of the story. We meet poet Johann Goethe in the later part of the eighteenth century as the twenty-something law student botches his Ph.D. and fails to graduate. But he’s got a back-up plan! He puts pen to paper, dashes off a play, and ships it away. The rejection of this work prompts his stern father to send him off to a small hamlet where he will toil as a law clerk in the local court. After arriving, his desk mate Wilheim suggests they go dancing. It is at the dance hall where Johann meets the boisterous, beautiful Lotte Buff. The attraction is instant and after several false starts the  two finally begin a romance. Ah, but this road to love is full of many obstacles-stern bosses, desperate fathers, aborted duels, and many broken hearts. Fortunately these bumps in the road provide the inspiration for the poem that will enthrall the country.

The movie is a sumptuous visual feast. Whether riding in the countryside or trudging through the muddy village streets, the use of sets and scenery is superb. Alexander Fehling carries the film well on his shoulders and conveys the joy of experiencing his very first real love. And with the vibrant Miriam Stein as the ginger-haired Lotte, who can blame him? Her beauty almost explodes off the screen. The two gifted young actors wring every bit of emotion out of this story of star-crossed lovers. Director Philipp Stolzl gets great performances from everyone in the cast while he keeps several different sub-plots spinning. We even get an interesting view of celebrity adoration circa 1772! YOUNG GOETHE IN LOVE is an enlightening, entertaining look at the begins of a literary superstar.

Overall Rating: Three and a Half Out of Five Stars