About: Der Grüne Heinrich
Der Grüne Heinrich A.K.A Green Henry is a German film, made in 1993. Based on the novel Der Grüne Heinrich or Green Henry by Swiss author Gottfried Keller. The screen play is written by Barbara Jago, Thomas Koerfer and Peter Müller. Directed by Thomas Koerfer.
Set in the 1880’s. The story is based around Henry Le Vert (played by Thibault De Montalembert and Andreas Schmid) and Anna (played by Florence Darel and Anna Scheschonk) following them through their childhood together to young adulthood.
The story opens in Munich at carnival time. Henry meets his friend Lys. While all the participants are overindulging in alcohol and sex. Lys (played by Arno Chevrier) drunk on life and the sins of the flesh, beckons Henry “Follow us into madness”. But a sensitive Henry doesn’t follow. Henry finds out from Lys’ fiance Angus (played by Nadja Uhl) that Lys is making a public show of betraying her with Rosalie (played by Susanne Bentzien). This causes Henry to go and find Lys and challenge him to a duel.
The film cuts to Zurich. A young Henry out hunting with his father, when suddenly his father collapses and die’s. Henry and his Uncle (L’oncle played by Mathias Gnädinger) bring him back to Henry’s mother (La mère played by Dominique Sanda). At his fathers funeral Henry runs out of the church and clings to the carriage that the coffin was pulled in on. His Uncle tells him its ok he can wait there with his cousin Anna. Thus starting a friendship.
At school Anna takes a snowdrop flower from the teacher’s desk which Henry quickly takes the blame for. Later that evening Anna breaks in to the school bringing Henry some food, as he was eating and he starts to choke. This leads to Henrys and Anna’s first kiss.
Later on a traveling theatre company is putting on a show. Henry, his friend and Anna all go in. Anna is desperatly trying to tell Henry something but Henry is wanting to met The Devil. But ends up being cast as a Monkey in the show. Just as he is about to leave he observes Judith (played by Assumpta Serna) the lead actress being forced into sex by The Devil. So he starts to bang the drums crying he’s killing her. As Henrys clothes have been stolen Judith puts Henry up for the night. The next day Henry runs down the street nude after nearly getting shot in the monkey outfit. Ending up in his mothers arms. At school he finds that Anna has left for the country.
Henry then focus on his art finding the eccentric teacher Roemer (played by Heribert Sasse). The studies make him focus more on art, but Henry’s desire is for Anna. Eventually Henry leaves Zurich and moves in with his Uncle in the country. He finds that Anna has transformed into a beautiful young women. They soon renew their love, as if they had never been apart, going for rides in the country and reliving old memories.
But on one trip with his Uncle, to a wise woman’s house on the edge of the village, Henry’s love for Anna is instantly challenged. Realising that the wise woman is none other than Judith the actress that he met as a youth, he began’s a short affair giving her his virginity. But his conscience soon catches up with him.
When out for a ride with Anna, Anna trys desperately to get Henry to sleep with her but soon her illness takes over. Henry rides back with an unconscious Anna in his arms. Anna dies soon after.
Henry watches at the funeral as her family and friends quickly fall into uncontrollable bingeing: pain and grief neglected for drink and dance. This causes Henry to flee again right into the arms of Judith. Henry tries to force himself on her before breaking down and spending a desperate common night of love together. Where he finds that Judith is moving to America.
At dawn the duel is to take place with Henry brought from his room. After the first cross of blades, the place erupts and that Lys has made Henry the king of fools and all is forgiven. But Henry pushes on with the fight. Eventually Lys accidentally mortally wounds Henry. Henry’s face through has an expression of peace and happiness as he sees Anna again.
My Review
Der Grüne Heinrich A.K.A Green Henry showed how grief and guilt consumed the life of our young man. From the moment his father died to the death of Anna he never seemed to grieve for either. Instead being told he was now the man of the house and put in his father’s suit. Anna showed kindness to him which created a friendship and young love. Then when she was taken away, this created a longing in Henry for her. When they meet again he makes mistakes by betraying Anna and she is taken away again. Causing an overwhelming obsession to be with her again. Thus causing the memories of his youth to explain Henry’s reaction to Lys cheating and why he challenged Lys to a duel.
Thomas Koerfer did an amazing job directing this master piece. Getting the feel of each individual person and scene down in order to get across the message from Gottfried Keller’s book, the loss of a soul mate is an unbearable thing no matter the cause. Although the book as always is a lot more in-depth. The film does try to do it justice.
Therefore I’m giving Der Grüne Heinrich A.K.A Green Henry 5 stars out of 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Zombie Gnome 