Verdammt, ich will dich (1997)

Verdammt, ich will dich: Directed by James F. Robinson. With Lou Rawls, Brendan Fraser, Joanna Going, Steven Lambert. When artist and street performer Fletcher (Brendan Fraser) thinks con-artist Roz (Joanna Going) is the woman he has seen in a vision, he has no idea she sees him as her next victim.

“Like most people who discovered STILL BREATHING – written, directed, and produced by James F. Robinson, I chanced upon this fantasy of a film while checking out Cable programs. The beginning sequence just kept me curious and wanting to know more, whatu0026#39;s going to happen to the two main characters and so on. At the time, I just saw Brendan Fraser in u0026quot;Blast From the Pastu0026quot; opposite Alicia Silverstone, and appreciated Joanna Goingu0026#39;s role in another small gem, u0026quot;Edenu0026quot; (1997, written and directed by Howard Goldberg), as a wife-teacher-mother who has Multiple Sclerosis. STILL BREATHING has magic, and itu0026#39;s so relaxingly delightful!u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eYou might say itu0026#39;s quirky, or want to dismiss it as mere fantasy romance. But if you believe – as the film suggests, fate takes a hand in the destined arrangement of two persons being together. The pairing of Brendan Fraser (as Fletcher, the goofy but smart, always a sincere aura about him) and Joanna Going (as the aloof, vulnerable and hesitating Ros) is a godsend unlikely possible couple. James F. Robinsonu0026#39;s writing is just right, and his direction is right on. Kudos to October Films for distributing such a wonderful u0026#39;smallu0026#39; film, greatly satisfying and enjoyable. Itu0026#39;s a surprise gem. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThere are special close-ups of things – a leaf, a hand, a rock, a knee…each has its own subtle, subliminal significance. Welcome, fate and destiny. Fraser is this young man with such a dedicated and steadfast focus in what he believes – in his heart (a trait handed down from generations in his family) – it is not hokey. Itu0026#39;s so unbelievably probable that you want it to be – to happen for real. Itu0026#39;s romance at play without showing cupids and u0026#39;cutesyu0026#39; elements. It all seems so downright natural – even thought we know weu0026#39;re in a fantasy Hollywood movie. It doesnu0026#39;t matter: youu0026#39;re on this seeking journey with Brendan and youu0026#39;re not gonna let go – can he fulfill what he held close to his unwavering heart? Joanna Goingu0026#39;s Ros seems perfect opposite Fraseru0026#39;s Fletcher. Itu0026#39;s matchless casting! Wonderful writing. Imaginative. Creative. What a love and destiny story. Ah, Fletcher and Ros. (Iu0026#39;m repeating myself.) u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe supporting cast proves to be just as delightful: Celeste Holm as Fletcheru0026#39;s grandmother Ida who has versatile talents; Lou Rawls is the Tree Man who plays music; Ann Magnuson is Rosu0026#39; social pal Elaine; Michael McKean is a momentarily rich business man. Yes, the menu includes classical tune played by a jazz band, puppet show to cheer a young child, stones stacking as an art, slide projections with u0026#39;geographicalu0026#39; touches, endearing hints of black u0026amp; white flashes. There is wisdom of love, or love legend a-telling… Itu0026#39;s San Antonio, Texas vs. L.A. city scene – which place would you choose? Depends on whom youu0026#39;d be with – or shall we leave it up to fate?u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003enThe soundtrack and sound effects contribute to the whole enjoyment of STILL BREATHING. Check it out. Leave skepticism aside. Donu0026#39;t miss a beat.”