Review of Wings of Desire (1987) by Sierra W — 22 Oct 2018

In Wim Wenders 1987 romantic, drama, fantasy film Wings of Desire was originally known as Del Himmel über Berlin (The heavens over Berlin). Cinematography was by Henri Alekan, he shot this film with both color and a black and white tone. This film in particular took place in Berlin during WII, which is about two immortal angels that travel throughout the city of Berlin listening to the thoughts of distressed people on the streets. The sounds of high pitch, choirs, and violins provide a relaxing environment. Two angels known as Damiel (Bruno Ganz) and Cassiel (Otto Sander). Provide hope and give comfort to those who are weak and feel alone. Even though they were unable to be seen; the angels show commiseration for troubled people, so they can feel a heart warming presence to help them reconsider on their life choices.

The Beginning starts off with Damiel standing on top of a high building staring down. The black and white tone represents how the world is seen by angels. This movie jumps to different scenes from when Damiel and Cassiel explore the city of Berlin providing sympathy. They helped the guy on the subway train, the holocaust victim, and even the prostitute. In each scenario, one or the other would examine the thoughts of people and try to help them make a better decision and let them know they're not alone by attempting to comfort them. As Damiel wanders into the circus, he glances at the trapeze artist who is thinking about the full moon. Falling into the trap of superstitions she becomes afraid that she will fall and hurt herself. She becomes upset that the circus is going out of business which would leave her unemployed, which leaves her no choice but to find another job. This made him want to become human even more.

Although Cassiel put a hand on the guys shoulder to hopefully change his thoughts and actions, he didn't want to think anymore. Eventually he jumped off the building and committed suicide. The angels roam around Berlin are usually dressed in long coats with scarves tucked in. The main angel Damiel decides that he wants to become human due to the fact of him falling in love with the trapeze artist Marion (Solveig Dommartin). He wanted to become mortal so he talks with Cassiel about how it would feel to have senses or to be able to feed a cat. In this specific scene, he wakes up bleeding from his armor striking him in the head, the kids that was hanging out nearby thought Damiel was just a drunk that needed food. Only children can see angels because of their innocence.

In order to become human Damiel would have to take off his armor, intentionally that's what he did. When Damiel and Peter Falk spoke at the fence, Peter tells him that he was an angel. Peter could tell Damiel was an angel because he once was an angel as well. During this scene, Peter Falk was getting ready for a Nazi movie in Germany when Damiel said "I sold something." Peter responds saying, " The armor, what did you get for it?" Damiel had replied he sold his armor for 200 marks and Peter had told him he got ripped off because when he became mortal he sold his armor for 500 dollars at the pawn shop. That's when Damiel realizes that Peter was once an angel too. Peter had told him that,"There's a lot of us. Your not the only one!".

Damiel has gained knowledge that no angel is capable of accomplishing. For the hit movie Wings of Desire, Wenders was awarded for best director at both the European Film Awards and Cannes Film Festival. However, this movie takes too long to understand the actual meaning. It gives off a boring vibe and makes you want to fall asleep or turn it off and watch something more exciting. Although Wenders made some very important points in this movie based on life and love, it wasn't interesting at all. Wings of Desire jumps around a lot and if you don't pay attention then you will not get the concept of this movie. In most romantic movies they get straight to the point but this one in particular is not your typical romantic movie. It's very rare when two people see each other and automatically fall in love like Damiel and Marion. This movie was not that good and didn't have me on the edge of my seat, urging to see what's going to happen. This film could have been great if it wasn't so dreadful, I give this movie three thumbs up due to the fact of it being colorless and tiring.