I have basic German skills that likely helped me a little to understand this story. I think that with no German language understanding the viewer will understand the message delivered by this movie. The acting is simply wonderful. I could not help be moved. Every actor and the thoughtful direction is perfect. The emotions are so well contained. The family eventually accept what is happening to their beautiful Mutti und Großmutti. What am amazing performance.
This is an earthy family that has the resources to cope with most things however they too are humans like all of us. What starts with little slips becomes more prevalent as time does until she is in a hospital observing others throw a ball to each other. She struggles with being able to draw simple shapes and recalling the words she needs to use although she knows what the images are. Her h house has sticky labels attached to items, her environment becomes dirty and she returns from the toilet with a roll of toilet paper. A family member discreetly takes the roll and they continue on. The Mothers expressions change, she hums non-descript tunes, something I witnessed while my Father was sick a brain disorder many years ago. She stands in front of her children, grandchildren and friends and attempts to describe what is happening to her and beats her head struggling to beat out those words that are halted between brain and mouth. Yet, she says life is good. Language and culture is no barrier and this movie shows the pain that many will experience either as a sufferer, carer and family member. Is this a cruel thing? Yes it is. But it is what it is. Prima. Wunderbar!!!
