98 minutes, German Drama, M

PHOENIX offers a truly compelling premise that is somewhat original too for those who don’t mind the odd venture into the world of foreign and art house cinema. Loosely based on a novel “Le Retour des cendres” (French for “The Return from the Ashes”) by Hubert Monteillhet, this German drama, set post WWII in Berlin, centres in on Nelly’s (Nina Hoss) return to her homeland, after she was sent away during the war to the concentration camps. Having required extensive facial surgery after injuries sustained there, a now unrecognisable Nelly searches for her husband (Ronald Zehrfeld), who may have betrayed her to the Nazi’s.

The undeniable ability PHOENIX possesses to be every ounce full of intrigue is intrinsically developed within its core story. And it needs to be, for with no sub-plots there is no escapism from the many questionable decisions made by our lead character and the potentially dangerous situation she is setting herself up for. Over a modest running time of 97 minutes, the developments within the story progress fashionably, yet they leave behind certain elements that may impact the films capacity to fully convince. By the extraordinary final moments of PHOENIX, a wave of satisfaction and appreciation for the refined performances and stunning conclusion ought to keep an irrefutable feeling of ambiguity at bay.

3.5 out of 5

PHOENIX – Film Trailer

Footnote to Parents
The thematic storyline is the sole reason PHOENIX is recommended for a mature audience. And an audience that have genuine appreciation for foreign and art house cinema.

Moviedoc wishes to thank Tessa, Madman and Cinema NOVA for the invite to the media screening of PHOENIX.

Review by Moviedoc
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