Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Alexander Fehling) endures the plight of most young aspiring poets: there’s no market for work; he’s bombarded by rejection notices; and his father wants him to switch to a more lucrative occupation. Many of today’s authors, writers, and poets still face Johann’s problem encountered in Germany back in 1772.
Young Goethe Goes to Law School
Forced by his father (Henry Hubchen) to attend law school to cure his notion of writing poetry, Johann’s romantic nature and creative expression resurface in the form of love while he’s away at school. He works as a clerk in an old-fashioned internship type of arrangement and has little disposable income to woo the ladies. When he meets the lovely Lotte Buff (Miriam Stein), a lusty young singing sensation, he becomes smitten with her and seduces her with sweet words and theatrical references. Lotte’s circumstances allow for only romance without commitment, however.
The Sorrows of the Young Werther
The oldest of many siblings in a motherless household, Lotte’s future has been determined by her father, just as Johann’s father directed his son’s course. She must marry a wealthy man who can support the entire brood. Unbeknownst to Johann, his teacher/boss/advisor at law school, Albert Kestner (Moritz Bleibtreu) also has designs on the lusty maiden with rosy cheeks and wild hair. When Goethe learns of his rival and betrayal, like a typical writer, he chronicles his failed romance in prose.
The Lover’s Triangle
As with nearly every lover’s triangle, someone ultimately gets left out. Sorting through the who, what, when, where, why, and how of this love story present the best payoffs of the film. The beautiful countryside filmed by cinematographer Kolja Brandt and original music by Ingo Frenzel help add to the long ago and far away feel of the romance. Frothy fun with a few melodramatic twists, Young Goethe in Love should delight all struggling writers, poetry lovers, and hopeless romantics everywhere.
Young Goethe in Love
- The frustrated poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, goes to law school to please his father.
- Starring Alexander Fehling, Miriam Stein, Moritz Bleibtreu, Volker Bruch, Henry Hubchen, Hans-Michael Rehberg
- Director: Philipp Stolzl
- Writers: Alexander Dydyna, Christoph Muller, Philipp Stolzl
- Genre: Drama
- Run Time: 100 minutes
- 4/5 Very Good
- Additional Information: In German with English subtitles.
Held throughout Central Florida from April 8-17, Florida Film Festival also includes a juried American Independent Competition with narrative features, short films, and documentaries, a non-competing Spotlight Features category, Florida Films Sidebar, and Italian Cinema Night. The films The Color of the Mountain, Illegal, and The Red Chapel also screen in the International Showcase.
For more information about the Florida Film Festival, visit the official website.
Leslie C. Halpern - Leslie C. Halpern, Romantic Films/Comedies Topic Editor, authored Passionate About Their Work, Reel Romance, & Dreams on Film.
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