#763: WICKI, Bernhard: The Bridge (1959)
WICKI, Bernhard (Germany)
The Bridge [1959]
Spine #763
Blu-ray
Blu-ray
Bernhard Wicki's astonishing The Bridge was the first major antiwar film to come out of Germany after World War II, as well as the nation's first postwar film to be widely shown internationally, even securing an Oscar nomination. Set near the end of the conflict, it follows a group of teenage boys in a small town as they contend with everyday matters like school, girls, and parents, before enlisting as soldiers and being forced to defend their home turf in a confused, terrifying battle. This expressively shot, emotionally bruising drama dared to humanize young German soldiers at a historically tender moment, and proved influential for the coming generation of New German Cinema auteurs.
103 minutes
Black & White
Black & White
Monaural
in German
1:37:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2015
Director/Writers
From a novel by Gregor Dortmeister.
Bernhard Wicki was 40 when he directed The Bridge.
The Film
The Film
A
Film Rating (0-60):
The Booklet
Twelve-page wraparound featuring an essay by film critic Terrence Rafferty.
Commentary
None.
Interview 1
With writer Dorfmeister, on whose autobiographical novel the film is based.
Interview 2
With filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff about the film’s impact on German cinema.
Interview 3
From 1989 with director Wicki.
Excerpt
60
The ExtrasThe Booklet
Twelve-page wraparound featuring an essay by film critic Terrence Rafferty.
Commentary
None.
Interview 1
With writer Dorfmeister, on whose autobiographical novel the film is based.
Interview 2
With filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff about the film’s impact on German cinema.
Interview 3
From 1989 with director Wicki.
Excerpt
From a 2007 documentary by Elisabeth Wicki-Endriss, Wicki’s widow, featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot.
Extras Rating (0-40):
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