Watch Great Freedom

Great Freedom is a cinematic masterpiece that opens up a world within a world. Directed by Sebastian Meise, it is an immersive tale of love and self-discovery, defying the conventional gender and identity prejudices in society. The movie tells the story of Hans Hoffman (Franz Rogowski), a gay Austrian man who has been living in West Germany since 1955. Hans is trying to rebuild his life after spending years in a Stasi prison in East Germany where he was jailed for his homosexual behavior. He is an outsider in Germany and is struggling to find his place in society. In addition to that, the trauma he has experienced has also left him emotionally vulnerable.

Hans finds refuge in a gay bar called The Arcades where he meets a younger man named Peter (Anton von Lucke). The two men quickly become friends and eventually fall in love. Their relationship is one of the highlights of the movie. Together, they explore their sexuality and find the courage to accept and love themselves for who they are.

Georg Friedrich plays Hans' best friend, who is also gay, but has not been able to accept himself. His character is vital in pulling the audience into Hans’ world.

The movie is set in two different eras, one in the 1950s and the other in present-day Germany. It explores the societal prejudices the LGBTQ+ community faced in the past and how it has evolved in the present. It does an excellent job of capturing the emotions and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in a time where society did not accept them.

The cinematography is breath-taking, adding an extra layer of depth to the story. The color grading helps differentiate between the two time periods and effectively tells us where we are in the story. The use of close-up shots allowed the audience to connect with the characters and feel their emotions.

The film also highlights the struggles of being a homosexual person in the 1950s when homosexuality was still illegal in Germany. The sensitive portrayal of the characters and the storyline is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It is an important reminder that injustices that were prevalent not so long ago.

In conclusion, Great Freedom is a must-watch for audiences who appreciate the art of filmmaking. It's an emotional ride that handles complex topics with sensitivity and grace. The cinematography and character portrayals elicit empathy and a true appreciation of a person's journey in self-discovery. It reminds us to love and celebrate ourselves for who we are, without regard to societal norms, while also acknowledging the progress that has been made in society in the past few decades. All in all, Great Freedom is an unforgettable cinematic experience that provokes thought and self-reflection.

Great Freedom is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 89.