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Making its blu-ray debut, Snowflake (originally released as Schneeflöckchen in 2017) proves that German cinema might just be on the rebound. Taking on the subject of revenge might not sound so grand and ambitious of an idea, but what directors Adolfo Kolmerer and William James have done, wrapping their blood-soaked tale in a cloak of dark humor and fairy tales, is close to genius. This is a fun foreign import that is both self-aware and inspired . . .
. . . and it begins with a rather frank discussion over the quality of döner kebab in a Turkish restaurant.
As this scene continues between Javid (Reza Brojerdi) and Tan (Erkan Acar), we soon realize that they are enjoying their argument and their meal at the restaurant where a bloody crime has been committed. Bodies are strewn about the floor. Yes, these two chummy lads are outlaws and, as they continue their argument out the doors and to a car, they are about to discover something very big about their existence.
But, before that happens, we quickly change the scene and find ourselves with a fully loaded Eliana (Xenia Assenza) and bodyguard Carson (David Masterson) as they search through a future version of Berlin for the whereabouts of the people responsible for the murder of Eliana’s parents.
When we return to Javid and Tan, there is the discovery of a screenplay in the stolen car that contains the dialogue they just spouted in the restaurant. Every bit of line is in there. In fact, they are characters in the screenplay. Weird. But who wrote this? And so they hunt out the ever so deranged dentist who wrote their story. . . {googleads}
. . . and discover that they are trapped in a fairy tale of violence and vengeance. It is full of crazy people, deranged assassins, an angel covered in blood, and a superhero that the world is not prepared for.
This is a freewheeling film that is supercharged with wit and violence. It is Tarantino-esque in its genre send-up and in its metacognition, resulting in two hours of fun and grit. Written by Arend Remmers, everything about Snowflake suggests that these filmmakers, who are all largely new to feature films, know exactly what they are doing. In fact, they put those who have been in the business for years to shame with their creativity and their daring willingness to explore a financially shattered Berlin and the consequences therein of an overwhelmed police force.
Snowflake is both aggressive and surreal, allowing viewers to guess which route its going to go in an adventure that is never insulting and ALWAYS fully loaded. It is a dangerous mix of genres, but its insanity allows it the freedom to explore established tropes and then behead them all. Be prepared; there’s no going back once this BIG Snowflake falls.
Winner of several awards both near and far, Snowflake is now set for its debut here in the states, being released on blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD, including iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, Vudu, and more thanks to Artsploitation Films.
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[tab title="Details"]
MPAA Rating: Unrated.
Runtime: 121 mins
Director: Adolfo J. Kolmerer
Writer: Arend Remmers
Cast: Reza Brojerdi, Erkan Acar, Alexander Wolf
Genre: Comedy | Crime | Action
Tagline: The Most F****D Up German Fairy Tale Since the Brothers Grimm
Memorable Movie Quote:
Theatrical Distributor: Artsploitation Films
Official Site:
Release Date:
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: December 18, 2018
Synopsis: Hunting down the murderer of their families in a near-future Berlin, a gang of lowlife characters all want revenge on each other, but along the way they must contend with a myriad of wicked fairytale types—assassins, madmen, a blood-covered angel, and an electric-powered superhero—all apparently come to life through a screenplay written by a demented but clueless dentist.
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[tab title="Blu-ray Review"]
Blu-ray Details:
Home Video Distributor: Artsploitation Films
Available on Blu-ray - December 18, 2018
Screen Formats: 1.85:1
Subtitles: English SDH
Language: German
Discs: Blu-ray Disc; single disc
Region Encoding: Locked to Region A
Artsploitation Films presents Snowflake with a banging 1080p transfer. There are some fine city vistas throughout this release; the canvas is that expressive and, yes, cool. The blood! The cool reflections! The steely eyes! Thanks to a crisp transfer the colors are bright and revealing, especially at night. Black levels are strong and edges are deep. The audio is presented in German with English subtitles.
Supplements:
Commentary:
-
None
Special Features:
Audiences get a brief behind the scenes look at the making of the movie and talent involved. A trailer is also included.
- Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
- Trailer
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