In the film "Paradise," we are introduced to a seemingly mundane yet complex straight couple, Viktor and Angelika, portrayed by Heiner Lauterbach and Katharina Thalbach, respectively. Viktor is a dedicated professor of veterinary science, deeply engrossed in his academic pursuits, while Angelika, an art history enthusiast, finds herself equally absorbed in her own passion. Despite their individual commitments to their professions, there exists a palpable disconnect in their marriage. Viktor's growing disinterest in his wife's emotional and physical needs highlights the troubling dynamics that characterize their relationship, ultimately leading to a solitary existence where professional ambitions overshadow personal connections.
The plot takes an unexpected turn when Viktor re-encounters Lotte, a former school friend of Angelika's, reigniting a past that reveals layers of complexity and unresolved feelings. Lotte, who once would have gone to great lengths to support her dear friend Angelika during their school years, enters Viktor's life and becomes the catalyst for a significant shift. As Viktor and Lotte reconnect, her vibrant and warm demeanor brings a refreshing contrast to the cool indifference that has settled over his marriage. Their interactions spark a newfound curiosity in Viktor, awakening buried desires and leading him down a path of introspection regarding his own unhappiness.
As the story unfolds, the evolving relationship between Viktor and Lotte invites deeper questions about love, loyalty, and the choices we make in pursuit of happiness. Lotte's presence not only disrupts Viktor's stagnant existence but also serves as a mirror reflecting Angelika’s unaddressed influence in his life. The film poignantly explores themes of self-discovery and the complexity of human connections, illustrating how past relationships can profoundly impact the present. In a society that often prioritizes career aspirations over emotional fulfillment, "Paradise" offers a rich narrative about the struggles individuals face when navigating love and commitment amidst the chaos of their personal ambitions.
Full Cast of Paradise
Heiner Lauterbach delivers a gripping performance as Viktor in the movie 'Paradise,' a film that delves into the complexities of love, morality, and crime in the aftermath of World War II. Lauterbach portrays Viktor with a profound intensity, capturing the inner turmoil of a man caught between his duty as a British investigator and his growing empathy for the subjects of his inquiry. His character is tasked with uncovering the truth behind a series of mysterious deaths in a displaced persons camp, and Lauterbach's nuanced acting brings to life the evolving conflict within Viktor as he navigates the murky waters of post-war justice and personal redemption. Lauterbach's Viktor is a man whose initial cold detachment slowly gives way to a deep-seated humanity, as he becomes increasingly involved with the lives of the camp's inhabitants, particularly a woman named Olga, played by Katja Riemann. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, adding layers of complexity to Viktor's journey. Lauterbach's performance is a testament to his ability to convey the emotional depth and transformation of a character burdened by the weight of his past and the stark realities of his present. His portrayal is both a highlight of the film and a poignant reflection on the human condition in the face of historical upheaval.
Katharina Thalbach delivers a captivating performance as Lotte in the movie 'Paradise,' a role that showcases her immense talent and versatility as an actress. As the resilient and headstrong Lotte, Thalbach brings a raw authenticity to the screen, portraying a woman who is both a victim of her circumstances and a fighter determined to find her place in a world turned upside down by war. Her nuanced portrayal layers vulnerability with a fierce determination, as Lotte navigates the complexities of survival and companionship in a Soviet prisoner of war camp. Thalbach's expressive eyes and her ability to convey a spectrum of emotions without dialogue make her performance stand out, capturing the audience's empathy and attention. Her interactions with the other characters, particularly the young Helmut, are filled with a mixture of maternal tenderness and the shared camaraderie of those united by hardship. Katharina Thalbach's Lotte is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit, making her character one of the most memorable and moving elements of 'Paradise'.
Sunnyi Melles delivers a captivating performance as Angelika in the movie 'Paradise: Hope,' the third installment of Ulrich Seidl's "Paradise" trilogy. Melles brings a complex and multifaceted portrayal to the character of a strict diet camp director who is both feared and admired by the overweight girls in her charge. Her performance is a delicate balance of severity and tenderness, as she embodies the paradoxical nature of Angelika. With a stern countenance and an unwavering dedication to her regimented program, Melles' Angelika commands authority, yet beneath her disciplined exterior, there are subtle moments where her vulnerability and genuine concern for the girls peek through. Her ability to convey the internal struggle between her professional responsibilities and personal desires adds depth to the character, making Angelika a memorable and thought-provoking figure in the narrative of adolescent awakening and the search for love and acceptance. Melles' nuanced acting ensures that Angelika is not simply a one-dimensional antagonist but a fully realized character who resonates with the audience on an emotional level.
Brigitte Janner
Detektivin (Detective)
In the poignant film "Paradise" (2016), Brigitte Janner delivers a compelling performance as the unnamed Detektivin, whose role is pivotal to the narrative's unfolding. Janner's portrayal is one of restrained intensity, capturing the essence of a detective who is both professionally astute and emotionally invested in her mission. Her character embodies a quiet tenacity, as she meticulously peels back the layers of the film's central mystery, often through silent observation and keen intuition. Janner's on-screen presence is commanding yet understated, allowing her to blend into the background when necessary, while simultaneously drawing the audience into her investigative journey. Her interactions with the other characters, particularly the film's protagonist Olga (played by Christiane Paul), are tinged with empathy and a profound understanding of the human condition, which adds depth to the detective's persona. Janner's performance is a testament to her ability to convey a rich internal life through subtle gestures and nuanced reactions, making her character's pursuits both credible and deeply engaging. Her work in "Paradise" is a standout example of how a supporting role can elevate the thematic resonance of a film and leave a lasting impression on its viewers.
Ulrike Kriener
Hure (Hooker)
Ulrike Kriener delivers a compelling and nuanced performance as Hure (Hooker) in the movie 'Paradise' (1986), directed by Doris Dörrie. Her portrayal of a self-possessed sex worker is both raw and enigmatic, bringing depth to a character that could easily have been one-dimensional in the hands of a less skilled actor. Kriener's Hure exudes a quiet strength and an air of world-weary resilience, which stands in stark contrast to the film's exploration of innocence and naivety through the other protagonists. Her interactions with the sheltered character played by Heinz Bennent reveal a tender yet guarded nature, highlighting the complexities of human connection within the gritty underbelly of West Berlin. Kriener's performance is a testament to her ability to embody the paradoxes of her character—simultaneously vulnerable and tough, detached and deeply empathetic—leaving a lasting impression that resonates long after the credits roll.
Michael Klemm
Museumswaerter (Museum Attendent)
Gerd Huber
Kartenverkaeufer (Ticketseller)
Werner-Albert Püthe
Bankangestellter (Bank Employee) (as Werner A. Püthe)
Werner Vogel
Taxifahrer (Cabdriver)
Jens Mordass
2. Zuhaelter (Pimp #2)
Barbara Winter
Krankenschwester (Nurse)
Crew of Paradise
Full backstage crew list →
