In the Fade (Fatih Akin, 2017): Germany | France

Reviewed by Rujie Wang. Viewed at AFI Fest 2017.

“In The Fade” popularly known by its German name Aus dem Nichts is a German drama film directed by Fatih Akin. It was released in May 2017. The 106 movie is starred by German American actress Dianne Kruger role­playing Katja. The movie earned Kruger Best female awards at the Cannes Film Festival Awards. In the search for justice, Kruger fails to link the death of her husband to the Neo­Nazi group. She decides to take revenge on her own. This movie is unique but has themes that are being portrayed by other movies. The themes of revenge, justice systems, and family in the movie can be traced to other movies in this genre. Fatih, a German Born Turk, writes this movie that starts with scenes of bombing attacks of the Turks in Germany. The atmosphere turns from tense to normal when Katja, the tattooed, drug addict, does not care about the stage. Katja (Krugger) meets this drug trafficker, Nuri, and falls madly in love with him. Nuri goes to prison, and despite both their parents opposing, they marry while Nuri is still in prison. Later after being released, Nuri and Katj have a son, and Nuri forfeits his drug trafficking job to take up a translation and taxation Job at Hamburg. One evening, Katja brings a five year old son Rocco to stay with his dad. The duo later perishes in a well­set bomb in the office premises. Katja seeks justice as she feels Neo­Nazi group set the bomb. The police, however, pin it to Katja’s husband involvement in rugs earlier. She fails to get justice in the courtroom and decides to go rogue. She seeks revenge to avenge the loss of her family. Aus dem Nichts portrays the history of hate between the Germans and the Kurds. With the politically charged beginning, the viewer expects to know more about the activities that happen afterward. Drawing attention to the love life of Katja and her family, the movie depicts the modern day families in Germany. The political differences that are rampant from one continent to another are portrayed openly, and lack of justice in the courts is another issue to note in the Fatih Directed movie. Revenge remains the best way for other people in real life to avenge their lost loved ones, just like it was for Katja. The movie captivates the viewer for its unpredictable scenes. The sounds by Josh Homme give the movie a complete tuning since all the scenes are well composed and lack nothing. It demands concentration. The movie is educational and shows the state of the historical injustices faced by the Kurds in Germany. After watching the movie, you will appreciate all parties that gave rise to the movie, not forgetting the movie seller.