The Edge of Heaven (2007) | agoodmovietowatch

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The Edge of Heaven 7.5 2007 Movie

The Edge of Heaven

Dir. Fatih Akin · Germany, Italy · English, German

Our take by Tara Goe

This is a hard movie to describe, but I’ll do my best without giving too much away. The movie takes place in three separate segments that eventually come together. Half of the story takes place in Germany, half in Turkey, with almost all of the central six characters spending time in both countries while either searching for each other or trying to redeem themselves. Daughters search for their mothers (and vice versa) and one character’s actions will eventually bring everything more-or-less full circle. The film is as much about the characters though as it is about the cultural exchange happening between the two countries. If you have even a passing interest in films from this part of the world, I recommend giving this one a try.

What happens

The lives of six German-Turkish immigrants are drawn together by circumstance: An old man and a prostitute forging a partnership, a young scholar reconciling his past, two young women falling in love, and a mother putting the shattered pieces of her life back together.

What the critics said

Notable Critics

"The Edge of Heaven is about something more exasperating than crossed paths; it is about paths that almost cross but don't, and the tragedy of the near-miss."

— Anthony Lane

"The subtlety of the film's architecture does not lie in the plot, but has to do with the moral fabric being spun, whose overall design may require a third installment, or at any rate a sequel, to carry the ethical weight."

— Thomas Elsaesser

Awards

Cannes

2 wins

Won: Best ScreenplayWon: Prize of the Ecumenical Jury

Berlin

1 nom

Nominated: Official Selection

Nat. Board of Review

1 win

Won: Top Five Foreign Films

European Film Awards

1 win · 2 noms

Won: European ScreenwriterNominated: European DirectorNominated: European Film

César Awards

1 nom

Nominated: Best Foreign Film

Goya Awards

1 nom

Nominated: Best European Film

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About the author

Tara Goe

Tara Goe is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch, reviewing films and shows across the major streaming services. Her work helps readers find overlooked titles worth their time.