MICHAEL KOHLHAAS – The SLIF 2013 Review

Review by Dana Jung

Hans Kohlhase was a real-life historical figure, a European merchant during the middle ages who waged a class war against the artistocracy because of a perceived injustice. Little had changed by the 1800s, when German author Heinrich von Kleist published the tale as the short novel MICHAEL KOHLHAAS. The plight of the wronged man, especially wronged by the upper class, has been the stuff of countless plays, movies, books, and more. The von Kleist work has had a highly influential impact on fictional characters from Zorro to Josey Wales to Coalhouse Walker. The novella has been filmed at least once before, a 1969 version by Volker Schlondorff starring David Warner and Anita Pallenberg. Now comes a new version of the story by French filmmaker Arnaud des Pallieres, starring Mads Mikkelsen (CASINO ROYALE, TVs HANNIBAL) as Kohlhaas.

Michael Kohlhaas is a respected horse dealer in the Saxony region of old Europe. The land is ruled over by barons, princesses, and governors. And even though Kohlhaas is well known for his fine equestrian breeds and genteel nature, he is forced to surrender two of his prized stallions as collateral for a toll tax that is later shown to be false. Unfortunately, after months of servitude in the employ of the ruling class, the horses are nearly worthless; what’s more, the servant Kohlhaas sent to check on the horses is assaulted and left physically scarred. When the baron turns a deaf ear to Kohlhaas’ plea for redress, Kohlhaas sues but all his cases are dismissed by the upper class courts. When his loving wife decides to appeal directly to the royal house, it leads to a tragic turn of events that propel Kohlhaas into bloody action. But are his motives fueled by his quest for justice, or more from a desire for vengeance?

Although the story brings to mind the similarly-themed BRAVEHEART, this film version of MICHAEL KOHLHAAS is slower paced and not nearly as audacious. The scenic vistas of the Saxony countryside are gorgeous, but many indoor scenes are more darkly lit. Some of the social and political undercurrents inherent in the story are also sacrificed in order for the plot to reach its inevitable conclusion. The real strength of the picture lies in the performance of Mikkelsen as Kohlhaas. With his brooding screen presence, Mikkelsen commands the film from start to finish. He also shows a surprisingly gentle nature in scenes with his wife and daughter. The real story of Michael Kohlhaas is certainly an interesting and inspirational one, and Mikkelsen elevates this version to give the character his proper due.

MICHAEL KOHLHAAS screens Wednesday, Nov 20th at 6:30pm and Thursday, Nov 21st at 9:15pm as part of the St. Louis International Film Festival. Both screenings are at The Plaza Frontenac Theater

For ticket information, visit Cinema St. Louis’ site HERE

http://www.cinemastlouis.org/michael-kohlhaas