Wings of Desire

Watch Wings of Desire

"There are angels on the streets of Berlin."
  • PG-13
  • 1987
  • 2 hr 7 min
  • 7.9  (75,260)
  • 79

Wings of Desire is a 1987 fantasy-drama movie directed by Wim Wenders. The film follows the story of two angels, Damiel and Cassiel, who wander around the city of Berlin, observing the lives of its inhabitants. The film is a stunning visual and philosophical masterpiece that delves into the human experience and the human condition. The film opens with shots of Berlin, as we see the city bustling with activity. The camera then pans to Damiel (Bruno Ganz), who is sitting on a concrete slab overlooking the city. Damiel is an angel who, along with his companion Cassiel (Otto Sander), has been wandering the streets of Berlin for centuries. They observe the people of the city, seeking to understand the human experience.

As the film progresses, Damiel becomes fascinated with the lives of humans. He falls in love with Marion (Solveig Dommartin), a circus performer, and longs to experience life as a mortal. He and Cassiel witness the struggles of the people they observe, including a dying man who is comforted by his granddaughter and a lonely old man who listens to the radio alone in his apartment.

Throughout Wings of Desire, the film jumps back and forth between black and white and color. The scenes that depict the angels' world are in black and white, while those that depict the human world are in color. This juxtaposition of the two worlds highlights the stark differences between them.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Wings of Desire is the cinematography. Wenders uses a multitude of camera techniques and angles to capture the beauty and complexity of Berlin. The film includes breathtaking shots of the city's architecture, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall. The camera also follows Damiel and Cassiel as they glide through the streets, observing the people around them.

The film's soundtrack is also a highlight. The haunting, ethereal score perfectly captures the film's mood and adds to the overall atmospheric quality of the film. The soundtrack features music from many talented artists, including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and U2.

The film's themes of love, mortality, and the human condition are explored in a deeply philosophical manner. Damiel's desire to become mortal and experience the world as a human highlights the human longing for connection and experience. The film also examines the role of the artist in society, as we see Marion struggling to find her place in the world as a circus performer.

Overall, Wings of Desire is a beautiful and thought-provoking film that explores the many facets of the human experience. Wenders' stunning cinematography and the film's haunting soundtrack combine to create a truly immersive experience. The film's themes are universal and resonate with audiences to this day, making it a timeless masterpiece.

Wings of Desire is a 1987 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 79.

Wings of Desire
Description
Where to Watch Wings of Desire
Wings of Desire is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Max, Apple TV and Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Wings of Desire for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1987
  • MPAA Rating
    PG-13
  • Runtime
    2 hr 7 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (75,260)
  • Metascore
    79