The "Now" Pointed to by "Great Freedom"

Franz Rogowski's full-fledged role

On the day he was finally released in 1968, Victor didn't have the courage to go to bed and injected himself with drugs. Hans requests to share the same room with him. Hans supports Viktor with all his might as he struggles with severe withdrawal symptoms, saying, ``This is payback for the tattoo.'' In front of Hans, Victor confesses for the first time why he has been imprisoned for so long.

Franz Rogowski attempted to lose 12 kilograms to portray Hans' physical changes. Unfortunately, filming was interrupted due to the pandemic, and Rogowski had to gain back the weight he had gained during that time. The amount of weight he lost for the role is accurately expressed by his lats and prominent spine as he moves in and out of the cell. It's not just about looks. It's amazing how the fear and bewilderment of 1945, the shock and despair of 1957, and the wisdom and hope of 1968 are portrayed in a way that closely reflects Hans's inner life in each era. It's like his acting is a time-travel barometer.

On the other hand, Georg Friedrich understates the process by which Viktor's discrimination against Hans shifts to empathy, friendship, and even love, and the two form a wonderful combination. This is the reason why this work is told as a love romance between Hans and Victor.

“Great Freedom” ©2021FreibeuterFilm•Rohfilm Productions

The glow of the moon seen from the prison window

There are some impressive scenes. On July 16, 1969, Victor watched the moment Apollo 11 successfully landed on the moon on his prison TV, and he didn't hide his disappointment: ``I thought it would be more interesting.'' Meanwhile, Hans is looking out of his room's window at the dazzling moon shining in the night sky. Victor is unable to dream, and Hans, no matter how much pain he is inflicted, is able to yearn for a moment to the shining moon 380,000 kilometers from Earth. The difference between the two people's positions regarding hope is clear, and I can't help but be impressed by the brilliant script.

I can't help but feel as if the unchanging glow of the moon, seen from the prison window, is shining a cold light from the pitch-black night sky onto the sad lives of people.

What is Article 175 of the Penal Code, the evil law that tore apart men's lives?