Feuerherz (2008) User Reviews

Rebel without a cause

[johno-21 · 7/10 · 3 February 2009]

I saw this last month at the 2009 Palm Springs International Film Festival. From writer/director Lugigi Falorni in a script co-adapted with Gabriele Kister and based on the published memoir of Senait G. Menhari this is the story of Awet (Leketidan) who is a little girl living in a Catholic orphanage in war torn Eritrea in the middle of a civil war with liberation rebels fighting loyalists to Etritrean historical arch enemy Ethiopia. Awet's father in a rebel village sends for his daughter to come back and live with him and her older sister Freweyini. Awet's father soon conscripts his daughters to the rebels cause and they are sent to a rebel military camp run by Ma'aza (Seble Tilahun). Awet respects Ma'aza and tries to mimic her attitude and appearance. Awet will find that the sympathetic Mike'ele (Daniel Seyoum) has her better interest in mind. A Kenyan-German co-production with cinematography from noted photographer Judith Kaufmann this is a good film and moves along while keeping your interest throughout. I would give it a 7.5 out of 10 and recommend it.

True, but ..

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 22 July 2008]

You know this is based on a novel (an autobiographical one) and I haven't read that book. I don't even know what really went on and if this is accurate or more or less propaganda. I do know, that I watched a movie, that tried to point out some things. You don't have to believe everything, but it still should make you wonder and make you think about different aspects (maybe even political ones) of life (and of course Death).

I'm pretty sure you read either the book or the synopsis summary, so I won't go into the story, but want to say something about a reaction of a few cinema-goers in Berlin. I was more than amazed, when after the movie was over (actually the credits were rolling) a small part of the audience were booing the movie! I haven't seen such a thing happening at the Berlin Filmfestival ... You could say I was kinda shocked! Why would people do that, even if they didn't really like the movie? It's not nice to the director, quite contrary it's without any respect. I for once did like the movie and the (relative) open message it did send out (the performances were good too) ... it might have been a slow build, but I thought it was worth the time it did invest in the characters ...

Controversial reactions are caused by different historic opinions

[mail-5510 · 3/10 · 10 January 2009]

This movie is related to very important topics, I think. The reason for the controversial reaction is that immigrants from Eritrea compare their personal experiences to the circumstances shown in the movie. Many would question them. Most Eritreans are proud of their historic achievements. For quit a long time, their former opponent, the Ethiopian army, had been the latest army of whole Africa. Another topic is the situation of women in African society. Even if, in some areas, women still wear veils, Eritrea is one of the few African countries (if not the only one) that forbids female genital mutilation by law. For getting a balanced opinion, it is helpful to search online news and video-sites for footage of this country.

"Feuerherz" or "Heart of Fire"

[Gerlena · 10/10 · 23 August 2008]

I LOVED this movie. Letekidan Micael, the child actress in the film was incredible. She gave one of the best performances I have ever seen --adult or child. The way she speaks with her eyes--loving, hating, crying, being an adult or being a child-- it all comes through her eyes. She is so talented that I hope to see again in another film some time soon. I had never heard of Senait Mehari, the singer who's life this is (loosely) based on but I will certainly look her up now. Hat's off to the producers and director also-a fine job. It is also a very interesting story of and take on Christianity. I can't see why anyone would boo this film, unless they just didn't have a heart...