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Circle (The)
Original Title
Der Kreis- Director: Stefan Haupt
- Writer: Christian Felix; Urs Frey
- Producer: Urs Frey; Ivan Madeo
CGiii Comment
Ernst Ostertag and Röbi Rapp have been together for 50+ years...they are still together. This is their story.
And, what a story it is!
The docu-drama format is a precarious one...here, it works well - simply because the actors had something concrete to work from - the living and lively testimony of both Ernst and Röbi. Their straight-to-camera interviews give credence and a warm nostalgia to the interceding drama.
The 'period' pieces are beautifully realised...commendable production design, accomplished camera-work...as for the performances, faultless. Sven Schelker shines in what only be described as a gift of a role.
Through harassment, hatred and murder...through the turmoil of the changing times - their love survived.
Essentially, this is a film about dedication...and, quite simply, it is a beautiful, rare and rather humbling treat.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
Zurich, 1958. The young teacher Ernst Ostertag falls head over heels in love with the transvestite star Robi Rapp and finds himself torn between his bourgeois existence and his commitment to homosexuality. Ernst becomes a member of the gay organization DER KREIS and lives through the high point and the eventual decline of the organization, which in the whole of Europe is seen as the pioneer of gay emancipation.
Cast & Characters
Sven Schelker as Robi;
Matthias Hungerbuhler as Ernst;
Anatole Taubman as Felix;
Marianne Sagebrecht as Erika;
Antoine Monot Jr. as Gian;
Aaron Hitz as Willi Ottli;
Marie Leuenberger as Gabi;
Peter Jecklin as Max;
Babett Arens as Romy;
Ueli Jaggi as Martin;
Markus Merz as Kommissar Stamm