Wings of Desire

Der Himmel über Berlin

In this beautiful, lyrical fantasy, angels Damiel (Bruno Ganz) and Cassiel (Otto Sander) observe Berlin and its inhabitants as they have done since time immemorial without ever making themselves known or exerting influence on events. As Damiel is drawn to lonely trapeze artist Marion (Solveig Donmartin), his status as an immortal outsider seems to pall by comparison to the bright, brief flame of mortal human existence. Wings Of Desire is so densely packed with symbolism and allusion as to reward repeat viewings, and on a more prosaic level, is also a fascinating portrait of a Berlin that no longer exists.