Watch at Home 02.05.2019

The Forest for the Trees

Directed by Maren Ade
Film Movement
2003
81 Minutes
Germany
German
Drama, Comedy
Not Rated
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Bursting with idealism, Melanie Pröschle (Eva Lobau) leaves home to start her teaching career, armed with alternative methods and bright-eyed optimism. On her first day of classes, she gives an ambitious speech, saying that she wants to offer a "breath of fresh air" to the school. Instead, Melanie finds rejection from her colleagues, torture from her students and loneliness in her personal life.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Maren Ade
  • Starring: Eva Lobau
  • Starring: Daniela Holtz

Where to Watch

Amazon

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "An outstanding Löbau plays Melanie as a social incompetent... Yet despite being the kind of character you'd cross the street to avoid, Löbau generates enough sympathy to wish for a happy ending. Ade's own script is sharp enough to ensure that nothing is wasted, oozing with that sick pit-of-the-stomach feeling that comes with being truly out of your depth and builds towards an enigmatic conclusion rich in pathos."
    Jamie Woolley, BBC
Winner
Special Jury Prize
Sundance Film Festival
Winner
Best Film
Newport Int'l Film Festival
Winner
Best Actress
Newport Int'l Film Festival
Official Selection
Toronto Int'l Film Festival
Official Selection
LA Film Festival
Official Selection
San Francisco Int'l Film Festival
Official Selection
Vancouver Int'l Film Festival