Reviewed for the Amor Universal Love Project Blog.
"Where Are You Going, Habibi?" is a 2015 German film directed by Tor Iben. The movie is a comedy-drama that tells the story of Ibrahim, a young man of Turkish descent who falls in love with Alexander, a German wrestler and criminal who is straight. Despite the challenges, an unusual friendship and mutual respect develop between them.
The film stars Cem Alkan as Ibrahim and Martin Walde as Alexander. It explores themes of love, crime, and an impossible friendship that transcends the characters' backgrounds and orientations.
Review: Where Are You Going, Habibi? (2015)
Where Are You Going, Habibi? (Wo willst du hin, Habibi?), directed by Tor Iben, is a poignant German film that delves into the complexities of identity, love, and cultural intersections. Set against the backdrop of Berlin, the narrative follows Ibrahim (Ibo), a young man of Turkish descent navigating the challenges of being gay in a conservative family while grappling with societal prejudices.
Ibo's life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Alexander (Ali), a blond, blue-eyed German show wrestler with a criminal past. Their relationship evolves from a chance encounter to a deep, albeit complicated, friendship. While Ibo harbors romantic feelings, Ali's straight orientation adds layers of tension and introspection to their bond. The film masterfully portrays this dynamic, highlighting the nuances of unrequited love and the boundaries of male intimacy.
Cem Alkan's portrayal of Ibo is both heartfelt and authentic, capturing the character's internal conflicts and aspirations. Martin Walde's Ali complements this with a performance that balances toughness with vulnerability. Their on-screen chemistry brings depth to the narrative, making their interactions both compelling and relatable.
Director Tor Iben, known for his works like The Visitor (Cibrâil) and The Passenger, continues his exploration of LGBTQ+ themes with sensitivity and insight. In Where Are You Going, Habibi?, he addresses issues of racism, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience in Germany, weaving them seamlessly into the storyline without overt didacticism.
While the film touches on serious themes, it maintains a light-hearted tone, offering moments of humor and warmth. The soundtrack by Bartosz Bludau further enhances the viewing experience, adding an emotional resonance to key scenes.
In essence, Where Are You Going, Habibi? is a touching exploration of love, identity, and the human desire for connection. It's a testament to the complexities of modern relationships and the courage it takes to live one's truth. For those interested in stories that challenge societal norms and celebrate authenticity, this film is a must-watch.
The movie has a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes and was produced with an estimated budget of €60,000. It has been available for streaming on various platforms, including Filmzie, Plex, and JustWatchTV.
Looking forward to your comments and questions below ;-)
more info at
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4064498/
https://www.filmaffinity.com/es/film721124.html
