30 Second Bottom Line: Bertolt Brecht was one of the most brilliant playwrights of his time, a man of great talent and passion, which was part of the problem. "Bertolt Brecht was a very faithful man, unfortunately to too many women," attributed to Brecht's second wife.

Story Line: It is one of the last days of an exceptionally hot summer. Bertolt Brecht is about to leave his lakeside house among the tall birches in Brandenburg to return to Berlin for the upcoming theater season.

Most of the women of his life are there: his wife Helene Weigel, daughter Barbara, the old lover Ruth Berlau, as well as his latest flame, the nubile actress Kathe Reichel. Sensuous Isot Kilian is in residence also, whose affections and body he shares with the rebel political activist Wolfgang Harich. They swim, write, eat, drink and philosophize about art, politics, and the basic tenets of life.

The serenity of the country on this summer day of 1956 stands in marked contrast to the deep, volatile emotions of the characters. Brecht is at the center of the storm in the heaven and hell of human relationships: love and hate, jealousy and ego, betrayal and dashed hopes, as he struggles to make plans for a future that fate is soon to end.

Tell Me More About It: This is a wonderfully photographed film. To consider that this film was shot over the course of 23 days and is shown to represent one day, I think is quite the accomplishment. Even though this movie is in German with English subtitles, I thought the acting was superb, even if this movie was too "artsy" for my tastes. One scene that I found particularly delicious was when Brecht sat down for dinner with his wife, daughter, all three mistresses, and one of the mistresses' husband. That's some pimp-type stuff. It might be common fare in 1956 Germany, but in this country, that's called "big tyme pimpin'!" This movie was as hard to understand as it was enjoyable to watch (visually). If the movies you like fall into that category, if you can find it playing anywhere, you'd enjoy "The Farewell." If you're like me and like your movies more "fartsy" than "artsy," this is not the film for you.

Bertolt Brecht: Josef Bierbichler	Helene Weigel: Monica Bleibtreu
Kathe Reichel: Jeanette Hain	Elisabeth Hauptmann: Elfriede Irrall
Director: Jan Schutte