In Heaven (film)

In Heaven is a 1998 Austrian drama film directed by Michael Bindlechner. The plot of the film involves Csiwi, a 16-year-old boy who learns about life through unruly girlfriend and chastened buddy. The film was entered into the 1999 International Film Festival Rotterdam.^[1]

Plot[]

Csiwi () is 14 and "borrows" his brother's car at night - thus not only driving around the suburban streets until dawn but also to find his way in life. When he meets Valeska (Sylvie Testud) – who seems to know her destination which she has identified on a postcard - and Levi (Merab Ninidze) – who is tired of fighting and searching and wants to arrive only. Together they live through a summer of friendship at which end Csiw is alone again but finally knows his way.

Cast[]

• Sylvie Testud as Valeska
• as Civi
• Merab Ninidze as Levi

Themes[]

In Heaven is a coming of age story in which a rebellious young boy from the suburbs, Csiwi, encounters two people - Valeska and Levi - both in their desires and life goals pointing like signposts in a different direction. One summer, they experience the happiness of giving each other support and new hopes. But in the end each of them has to go his own way. Bindlechner: 'What makes it worth while to tell the story of Csiwi, Levi and Valeska is that apparent happiness on the surface can hide the underlying drama right to the end - as so often in real life".^[2]

Critical reception[]

In Heaven received generally positive reviews^[3] and was invited to more than twenty film festivals worldwide. In Heaven has a 6.3/10 rating at the International Movie Database.^[4]

Awards[]

References[]

External links[]

• In Heaven, International Film Festival Rotterdam

German Wikipedia: Max Ophüls Prize Film Festival