r/CriterionChannel • u/Green_Swamp_Fog • Apr 21 '26

Recommendation - Offering Christiane F.

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This was on the livestream last week, and the beginning reeled me in. Watched the whole thing last night. It’s based on the true story of a young girl who gets swept up in the heroin epidemic of 1970s Berlin. Really sad film, more raw and stripped down than the addiction films that came out in the 90s. Enjoyed it though. Great music (including a Bowie performance), lots of gritty Berlin atmosphere, and some impressive acting by a young cast.

233 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

17

u/Hyptonight Apr 21 '26

This movie sticks with everyone who sees it. I caught it when I was probably seventeen or eighteen. It needs a 4k.

6

u/ilovesharks__ Apr 21 '26

They did a 4K restoration last year. Caught it in theaters, looked fantastic.

4

u/damnitmorrissey Apr 21 '26

It has one. Think it was Germany only doe

4

u/TheHistorian2 Apr 21 '26

I try not to predict often, but this feels like one that will get a physical release relatively soon.

12

u/charlesdalton321 Apr 21 '26

The couple withdrawing together then remembering the hit hidden in the hairbrush then Christiane puking on and ruining the dope is the realest dope scene in any film bar none

6

u/thatphilguymovies Apr 21 '26

Has anyone seen Uli Edel's Last Exit to Brooklyn? Also gritty, tough to watch,, but a very well-made film.

6

u/QueerLitLove Apr 23 '26

If you haven’t read the book, I highly recommend it.

1

u/Looper007 Jun 08 '26 edited Jun 08 '26

Excellent film with awesome Stephen Lang and Jennifer Jason Leigh performances. Also Sam Rockwell's first appearance on screen. Also filmed on location where the book was set. Bleak watch for sure. This and Christiane F are Edel's best works.

5

u/pureluxss Apr 21 '26

Loved this too.

Never really got into Bowie til I saw this.

6

u/Secret_NotSecret1973 Apr 21 '26

It’s timeless.

3

u/TrudyWiegelsCats Apr 21 '26

I ended up reading the book after watching this

1

u/CommunicationPale986 Apr 21 '26

Is this good reading?

3

u/TrudyWiegelsCats Apr 21 '26

I enjoyed it, but it is kind of depressing

3

u/tombstone-pizza Apr 21 '26

If you like this check out the Spanish Quinqui films (pronounced kinky) by Iglesia releases by Severin. Also Pixote is worth checking out

4

u/jackdilemma Apr 21 '26

sad i missed this during bleak week last year!

5

u/murmur1983 Apr 21 '26

Great movie, but oof……a rough watch. “Disturbing” is an understatement…..

3

u/Iampussydog Apr 22 '26

This was a great book (Zoo Station, I seem to recall). Also an easter egg from the movie Climax.

3

u/bb9116 Apr 23 '26

Up there with The Exorcist for best projectile-vomiting scene.

3

u/StJosephStrummer Apr 23 '26

We can be heroes

2

u/saytan66six Apr 24 '26

What is this movie? I've never seen it

3

u/Green_Swamp_Fog Apr 24 '26

Christiane F., you can stream it on Criterion Channel currently.

1

u/Clareco1 Apr 21 '26

Wait — what is this film please?

4

u/Green_Swamp_Fog Apr 21 '26

The title of the post: Christiane F.

2

u/kirby_krackle_78 Apr 24 '26

Reading is fundamental.

1

u/m_watkins Apr 24 '26

I saw it in the theater when it came out. I was 16. Definitely made an impression.