Wings of Desire Movie Review

Wings of Desire (1987)

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Written by: Wim Wenders, Peter Handke and Richard Reitinger (screenplay)
Directed by: Wim Wenders
Starring: Bruno Ganz, Solveig Dommartin, Otto Sander
Rated: PG-13
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Plot
The angel Damien is tired of observing humans. He wants to shed immortality and experience the sensations of being mortal.

Verdict
Wings of Desire is a study about humans. Despite the tragedy and loneliness the angel Damien sees in humans, he still wants to become mortal. He wants to experience life because he has fallen in love. He casts away his wings for the chance.
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Review
This was remade as a diminished and superficial Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan film, City of Angels. What's surprising is that these movies share the same writers. This film is much better.

The black and white makes this film appear much older than 1987. It  doubles to reflect the limited experience of the angels. They can't see color or experience the world. They only influence it as they observe and listen to thoughts. Damien has an existential problem. He longs to be a human. He wants someone to nod at him as he walks down the street, enjoy a meal, lie to someone, to not know everything, to experience a surprise. He finds himself at a circus, intrigued by a trapeze performer.

Wings of Desire -Even immortality can lose it's appeal.

The movie is hypnotic as Damien and Cassiel drift through the world, the thoughts of the world floating in the air. The haunting and melodic music lulls us into the same trance of the angels, always at arm's length from the world. In a fleeting moment the scene shifts to color. In that moment, we see what Damien wants to see.

Despite the struggles, pain, and suffering he's seen, despite the old man who has lived so long that the places he used to visit are nothing more than rubble, Damien wants what he can't have. No matter how mundane and trivial, an angle longs to be human. An old man longs to be young, and a trapeze artist hopes for love. Immortality comes at a cost.

The movie is contemplative, which means it's not for everyone. It's enjoyable but I couldn't help but wait for Damien to make a decision, wondering when he would shed his wings. It's very artistic, not conforming to standards to introduce us to humanity. Even in a bustling city, everyone feels alone.

It was an amazing moment when Damien became human. He finally meets the girl and their bond is immediate.