About movie: https://goodfellas.film/movie/no-beast-so-fierce/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/473798/
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30195482/
Theatrical Release:
"No Beast. So Fierce." premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) on February 14, 2025. Its theatrical release in Germany is scheduled for May 8, 2025.
Movie (summary):
"No Beast. So Fierce." (Kein Tier. So Wild.) is a 2025 German-French-Polish film written and directed by Burhan Qurbani. This contemporary retelling of William Shakespeare's tragedy Richard III is set in an alternative version of modern-day Berlin, where two Arab families, the Yorks and the Lancasters, are engaged in a long-standing gang war. The film focuses on Rashida, the youngest daughter of the victorious Arab clan, as she plots to seize power within her family, leading to a bloody ascent to become the undisputed boss of the Berlin underworld.
Plot Summary:
In the aftermath of a violent gang war where an Arab clan has emerged victorious, Rashida, the youngest daughter of the family, begins to orchestrate a ruthless plan to gain control. She systematically eliminates her brothers, nephews, friends, and enemies. Through manipulation and violence, Rashida climbs the ranks of the Berlin underworld, determined to become its sole ruler. The film transposes the themes and narrative of Shakespeare's Richard III into this modern, gritty setting of familial conflict and ambition.
Director's Vision:
Burhan Qurbani's vision for "No Beast. So Fierce." was to transpose William Shakespeare's Richard III to an alternative contemporary Berlin, where two Arab families mirror the historical houses of York and Lancaster in a prolonged gang war. He aimed to explore themes of ambition and power in a modern context, with the protagonist, Rashida, representing a wound that Western society may prefer to ignore. Qurbani's approach involves mixing an ultra-modern, seemingly realistic setting with an eerie, metaphysical atmosphere.
Themes:
Ambition and Power: The film intensely examines the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the ruthless pursuit of power.
Family and Betrayal: Set within the context of a gang war, the story highlights themes of familial conflict, loyalty, and the ultimate betrayal within the family.
Violence and Corruption: The protagonist's ascent to power is marked by extreme violence and moral corruption within the Berlin underworld.
Retelling of Classic Tragedy: As an adaptation of Richard III, the film explores timeless themes of tyranny, manipulation, and the consequences of one's actions.
Key Success Factors:
Ambitious Adaptation: The bold move to transpose a Shakespearean tragedy to a contemporary Berlin setting within Arab families engaged in a gang war is a unique and potentially compelling element.
Strong Visuals and Production Design: Reviewers noted Yoshi Heimrath's masterful cinematography and Jagna Dobesz's sophisticated production design, particularly in the surreal sequences.
Potential for Social Commentary: By setting the story within a specific cultural context in Berlin, the film may offer insights into contemporary social issues.
Summary Short:
In a modern Berlin marred by gang warfare between Arab families, the youngest daughter of the victorious clan ruthlessly plots her way to the top, echoing the ambition and tyranny of Shakespeare's Richard III.
Awards and Nominations:
"No Beast. So Fierce." has been nominated for the Teddy Award for Best Feature Film at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale).
Critics Reception:
Critics' reception to "No Beast. So Fierce." has been somewhat mixed. Cineuropa described the film as an overambitious and chaotic retelling of Richard III. While acknowledging the impressive cinematography and production design, the review noted issues with the disjointed feel of the film, inconsistent use of language (German dominating despite the Arabic heritage of the characters), and underutilized talent of the cast due to a heavy reliance on grand aesthetics over solid mise-en-scène and vision. The reviewer questioned whether the adaptation successfully decides what it wants to be, oscillating between pop tragedy, epic, and crime-horror hybrid.
Reviews:
Cineuropa: Criticized the film for being overambitious and chaotic, with a disjointed narrative feel and inconsistent language use. While praising the technical aspects like cinematography and production design, the review found the film lacking in a cohesive vision and underutilizing the potential of the cast due to an overemphasis on aesthetics.
Production:
"No Beast. So Fierce." is a German-French-Polish co-production by Sommerhaus Filmproduktion, Madants, and Getaway Pictures, with involvement from ZDF and Arte.
Production Companies (name, country):
Sommerhaus Filmproduktion (Germany)
Madants (Poland)
Getaway Pictures (Country not specified)
ZDF (Germany)
Arte (Germany/France)
Sales Companies:
Goodfellas is handling the international sales
Distribution Companies:
Port au Prince Pictures GmbH (Berlin, Germany) is listed as the distributor for Germany.
Front Row Filmed Entertainment (Middle East, North Africa and Persian/Arabian Gulf)
Why to recommend this movie:
Bold and Modern Retelling of a Classic: The film offers a contemporary and culturally specific adaptation of Shakespeare's Richard III, which could be intriguing for those interested in seeing classic works reimagined.
Visually Striking Cinematography and Production Design: Reviewers have praised the film's technical aspects, suggesting a visually impressive cinematic experience.
Exploration of Timeless Themes in a New Context: The themes of ambition, power, and betrayal remain relevant across centuries, and the film's setting within modern Berlin's underworld could offer a fresh perspective on these themes.
Why to Watch Movie:
For Fans of Shakespearean Adaptations: If you enjoy seeing classic plays reinterpreted in modern settings, this film might be of interest.
Interested in International Cinema: As a German-French-Polish co-production, the film offers a European perspective on a well-known story.
Looking for a Gritty and Ambitious Crime Drama: The setting of gang warfare in Berlin promises a potentially intense and dramatic narrative.
What Movie Trend film is following :
Contemporary Adaptations of Classic Literature: "No Beast. So Fierce." aligns with a trend of filmmakers reimagining classic literary works in modern settings and contexts to explore enduring themes through a contemporary lens.
Crime Dramas with International Settings: The film fits into the genre of crime dramas that are set in diverse international locations, offering unique cultural backdrops to familiar narrative structures.
What Big Social Trend is following:
Reflecting on Power Dynamics and Ambition in Modern Society: The film's exploration of ambition and the ruthless pursuit of power resonates with ongoing societal discussions about leadership, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked desires for control in the modern world.
Representation of Diverse Cultural Groups in Cinema: By focusing on Arab families in Berlin, the film contributes to a broader trend of increasing representation of diverse cultural groups and their stories in international cinema.
Final Verdict:
"No Beast. So Fierce." is an ambitious and visually striking contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare's Richard III that transplants the classic tragedy into the gritty world of gang warfare in Berlin. While critics have noted some inconsistencies and a lack of cohesive vision, the film's unique premise, strong technical aspects, and nomination for the Teddy Award suggest it could offer a compelling, if perhaps flawed, cinematic experience for those interested in bold reinterpretations of classic tales within a modern, international setting.
Recommendations for Film Makers:
Ensure a Cohesive Vision When Adapting Classic Works: While modernizing classic stories can be innovative, maintaining a clear and unified vision throughout the adaptation is crucial for the film's success.
Pay Attention to Cultural Authenticity: When setting a story within a specific cultural context, ensuring authenticity in language and representation is important for the film's credibility and impact.
Balance Style with Substance: While impressive visuals can enhance a film, they should serve the narrative and contribute to a strong mise-en-scène rather than overshadowing it.
Recommendations for Movie Industry:
Continue to Support Bold and Innovative Adaptations: Encouraging filmmakers to take creative risks with adaptations can lead to fresh perspectives on well-known stories and attract new audiences.
Foster Dialogue and Collaboration Between Different National Film Industries: As a German-French-Polish co-production, this film demonstrates the potential for international collaborations to bring diverse stories to the screen.
Support Films That Offer Diverse Cultural Representation: The industry should continue to support and promote films that feature stories and characters from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, enriching the cinematic landscape and reflecting the diversity of the world.
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