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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.
Mar 2
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Christopher Rhine
1
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…
Feb 21
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Christopher Rhine
3
2
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…
Feb 15
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Christopher Rhine
3
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.
Mar 2, 2024
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Christopher Rhine
2
1
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…
Feb 28, 2024
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Christopher Rhine
2
1
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.
Feb 21, 2024
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Christopher Rhine
1
1
'Hors du temps' Review (Berlinale)
Assayas spins a cinematic gem that feels intricately designed to speak directly to me once again.
Feb 19, 2024
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Christopher Rhine
1
1
"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.
Feb 18, 2024
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Christopher Rhine
1
1
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…
Feb 16, 2024
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Christopher Rhine
2
1
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…
Feb 14, 2024
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Christopher Rhine
2
2
The Berlin Dispatch—vol. I, no. 1
May Day in Kreuzberg, Neues Off, and Sputnik Kino.
Jul 4, 2023
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Christopher Rhine
2
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