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Berlin Dispatch

Berlinale 2025 FILMS: The Good, the Okay, and the Bad
An overview and critical survey of my Berlinale: standout films, political themes, and surprising choices.
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Christopher Rhine
The Berlinale is becoming a second-tier film festival
Once a top film festival, the Berlinale is losing relevance. Political censorship, fewer premieres, and dwindling support have weakened its global…
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Christopher Rhine
Berlinale 2025: New director same politics
From government interference and media outrage to underwhelming films and a push for commercialization, the Berlinale once again struggles between its…
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Christopher Rhine
Berlinale Films Ranked, Weekly Reel #65
In which I account for all the films I watched, with rankings and recommendations for when they trickle out into theaters later this year.
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Christopher Rhine
The Berlinale Experience: Politics, Films, and Journo-Critics
Controversy strikes at the Berlinale, which is openly prosecuting and disowning public statements made by filmmakers against the killing of Palestinian…
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Christopher Rhine
What Are the Americans Up To? (Berlinale Dispatch)
Perhaps the biggest festival to not have American films as their centerpiece, the Berlinale premieres mostly independent, non-commercial world cinema.
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Christopher Rhine
'Hors du temps' Review (Berlinale)
Assayas spins a cinematic gem that feels intricately designed to speak directly to me once again.
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Christopher Rhine
"La Cocina" and "My Favourite Cake" Reviews, Berlinale Days 1 and 2
I finally locate the politics of the festival in a Mexican film about kitchen work life and Iranian film about a woman's forbidden desires.
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Christopher Rhine
Berlinale Tries to be Political, Day 1
In which the jury is unaware how political the festival is, Cillian Murphy shows up in the middle of his Oscar fyc tour, and an old German man yells at…
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Christopher Rhine
Pre-Berlinale 2024 Controversies Highlight Societal Ills
Germany's Culture Minister cuts funding, artistic director ousted, AfD politicians invited then disinvited, and Berlinale workers demand a more vocal…
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Christopher Rhine
The Berlin Dispatch—vol. I, no. 1
May Day in Kreuzberg, Neues Off, and Sputnik Kino.
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Christopher Rhine
© 2025 Christopher Rhine
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