Liebelei

Ghostman

A great and emotionally devastating film that is made by a master. I've only seen two Ophuls' films so far but I can already feel confident in saying that he is one of the great filmmakers.

Renton47

Ophuls doesn't shy away from the libertine lifestyle, it's amusing to see two cads in such a straightforward romance. Yet there's something flat - the first affair has no tension for us and there's little buildup to the main romance. Aside from a gorgeous ride through the snow, which appears like a dream, the stakes feel otherwise petty. One of those nights that conspire against you wanting to be in the cinema.

cin·aes·the·tic

A straightforward story about star-crossed lovers is lent additional weight by its circumstances: 'Liebelei' is set in Vienna about a decade before World War One; it was filmed in 1932, shortly before the Nazis came to power in Germany. As as result the film has an eerie 'calm before the storm' feeling. The clumsy subtitling and apparent skips in many scenes are distracting, but the film is still worth seeing.

the_mentaculus

An exceptional early Ophuls, equally concerned with brief, luminous glimpses of hope and the silent menace of looming tragedy. The success of the melodrama is sustained solely by the natural sentimentality of Magda Schneider, while the gauzy chiaroscuro ups the stakes, lending the whole film the warm sense of a half-remembered dream.

Quattro

The simplest story, delicate and touching. I was impressed by the acting, so natural – especially for those years' standards. The editing is very rough and the visuals may need a restoration, but fortunately the beautiful atmosphere is still there.

Loz Loory

4.5 Great use of the pause at the beginning of Beethoven's 5th for the conductor to tell the father to come back in a half hour. Loved seeing the old cello case. Wonderful filming of the Viennese Waltz in restaurant & then at ball. Loved the father's meditation on his youthful freedom vs. his sister's captivity. Can see why the Nazis would suppress this meditation on the hypocrisy of the military.

Esteban Henao

That camera moving is just something. Lovely Christine and that scene with the horses and the snowy landscape. Easy to understand why he is referred as to an example of elegance in cinema.

Log Lady

Not the most polished Ophüls, but has many glimpses of the greatness to come. Smooth direction and camerawork lead to many wonderful scenes, such as the sleigh ride through a magical wintry forest, the duel, and the heartwrenching ending. It helps, though, to have talented and natural actors to convey all the emotion.