Trenck - Zwei Herzen gegen die Krone (2003)

"Trenck - Zwei Herzen gegen die Krone" is a German German-language film from 2003, so this one will have its 15th anniversary next year and if you see the names of Roll and Kärger who made this, you will see that experience is not a problem here. Same goes for the lead actor Ben Becker, who does a decent job overall, even if he never reaches greatness, maybe also due to the script. The runtime may be, however. This consists of two episodes of 90 minutes each, the first a bit under, the second a bit over and the film tells the story of Trenck, a man who actually existed and we find out about his love for the king's sister, his rivalry with a local count in the military and many other aspects, like his brilliant fencing skills. All this was good enough for the first half, but for a second half of the same duration, the material was just too thin to be honest. Even the rivalry between two of the central characters, which was probably among the more interesting aspects also thanks to Jaenicke, became repetitive in the second part. The fact that the two parts were really different in terms of the general plot (part one his rise, part two his fall) was not enough to truly justify over three hours as at the core the action wasn't that different really. But the second half also has individual struggles like when the bad guy is about to kill the good guy, the female protagonist steps in and saves the hero, which was really something we have seen too many times before and it was almost Rosamunde Pilcher level. I generally wasn't too fond of the whole romance plot in here and this is one area that you certainly could have cut shorter to keep the film at 120 minutes max. Sorry, Alexandra Maria Lara, it wasn't your fault. The first half would probably get ***/***** from me, but only barely (the ending was good though), while the second is a definite **/*****. That's why my overall verdict here is negative and this one should be skipped probably. It's not a failure, but I give it a thumbs-down.

Liberal budgeting (seven million Euros) is granted this ZDF (Germany) public broadcasting effort that depicts numerous apocryphal episodes from the extensively improbable life of one of Prussian history's more well-known rounders, Friedrich, Freiherr Von Der Trenck, whose romantic exploits have been created to a large extent from whole cloth within his autobiography, and who eventually became, because of his writings, accepted as one of Germany's primary Victims of Injustice. A rather brutish officer in the Prussian Army under Emperor Frederick II (The Great), Trenck did, in fact, play a significant role, as did his at least as roguish cousin Franz, in Frederick's martial successes; however, this two-part mini-series becomes merely an additional application toward the reinforcement of Trenck's reputation as a type of Teutonic Count of Monte Cristo, this being a device-mongering essay at an out of place heroic chronicling that would readily give a viewer the perception that Frederick, in the face of ongoing international imbroglios, was nonetheless most concerned with Trenck's amorous liaison with a younger sister of the Emperor, Princess Anna Amelie (Alexandra-Maria Lara). The principal elements included within the narrative are somewhat well-known, and thereby predictable, and supporting back stories are of limited interest, while the main plot line has Frederick taking Trenck under his protection as a sort of subaltern at the Prussian Court in Potsdam where Amelie forthwith falls in love with him, and it is at this point that the film's cardinal weakness becomes evident, since Ben Becker, who plays as Trenck, is unconvincing as lover, courtier, or military leader. Director Gernot Roll struggles with an oft silly scenario, but excels as director of photography, using to advantage in 35mm. (1:1.85) the provided top-flight production quality and scenic locations, including those in Prague, Moravia, Saxony, Thuringia, et alia. Additionally, design and costuming of a high order deliver a wide range of delights to viewers. Hannes Jaenike handily wins the acting laurels as Count Jaschinsky, arch-enemy of Trenck. Strong turns also come from Henriette Richter-Roehl as maid to Amelie, and August Zirner as the Prussian monarch. A striking thematic score is contributed by Hans Peter Stroer. An unfortunate choice for the title role and an oft trite screenplay hamstring a superbly mounted film.

This is supposed to be the most expensive mini-TV series the German TV station ZDF ever made. They used 400 horses and more then a thousand actors. The series just finished it's running on a Belgian TV station as a 4 part mini-series. It carried the title "Tussen Passie en Plicht" (Between Passion and Duty) and it's about a forbidden love between a soldier and a Prussian princess. I especially watched it because of the beautiful and the much talented Alexandra Maria Lara, who played Princess Anna Amalia (aka Amélie). The role of her being an 18th century Princess fits her well. She is not acting, she is just Amélie! But this is not the only reason why you should watch it. There are the idyllic landscapes, the stunning music, the high detailed clothes, the fine and beautiful colors, the brilliant acting and many more. And the opening tune is just breathtaking. Plus, there are a lot of teardrop moments. If you like Alexandra Maria Lara, romance or historic costume drama from the top, you will get it here. Tip: watch this series with your(girl)friend on a cold winter evening. Sit back in the couch and let take your breath away and bring you closer to each other!Definitely worth a 10 on 10!

This is one of the best mini-series which I have seen in ages.Based on the life of Friedrich Trenck, it follows his life in Prussia after he falls in love with the Princess Amalia. Desperate to keep them apart, Friedrich is hunted down and imprisoned.He is determined though that it won't stop him from getting back to his love Amalia, and she is determined to be with him.Friedrich escapes from prison, but he still has to find Amalia.It is definitely a mini series worth watching and it is beautifully acted. The countryside is stunning and the costumes brilliant. It makes this series a must for any romantic.