Review of Landscape in the Mist (1988) by Andy C — 18 Jun 2011

A visual poetic masterpiece of cinema. LANDSCAPES IN THE MIST is a heartbreaking tale of innocence lost. A brother and sister leave their home in search of their 'father'. Exactly why they left their mother is not explored in the film or atleast I didn't catch it.

I mean was their relationship with her broken? Did she abuse them? At any rate..the journey they take is not an easy one. It's full of shocks and sadness. Both childern display a lot of strength in not letting go, not giving up.

We find out in the beginning of the film that their father is not in Germany and the their mother lied to them about that. So, what is this search for him? I felt like the search was for happiness, for contentment.

For SOMETHING that will make their life meaningful. As the children go on with their long journey..they meet all kinds of people. What struck me was that not one adult tried to help them get back home.

Even the young man they befriend, he is kind and caring but not once did he try to help these children like they should have been helped. The adults in this film fail these children. It's heartbreaking to watch.

LANDSCAPES IN THE MIST is directed sensitively by Angelopoulos. He allows us to care for these two children as much as he does. He respects their plight. The images that we witness in this film are unforgettable.

There's several moments that stay with you for days. The atmosphere is very bleak and rainy. The towns that the childern visit are broken down and desolate. There is a desperation about the people that inhabit these places.

The film has no uplifting message and leaves you feeling pretty down afterwards. But it's a profoundly moving piece of art...one that should be experienced.