Directed by: Margarethe von Trotta
Written by: Margarethe von Trotta & Luisa Francia
Starring: Tina Engel, Silvia Reize, Katharina Thalbach, Marius Müller-Westernhagen, Peter Schneider
Rating: [3/5]
Desperate circumstances create the environment for individuals to do things they could not fathom they would resort to. In a way, these terrible situations create an air of justification dependent on the severity of the action taken, which certainly sets the table for what we see in The Second Awakening of Christa Klages. Quite the moral quandary but one where we can see all sides and the relatability of them all.
With her back against the wall financially, Christa Klages (Tina Engel) sees a future of monetary destitution so she decides with her lover to rob a bank. Now on the run from law enforcement and resorting to seeking refuge from others, she finds herself in a crisis moment in life physically, mentally, and spiritually.
A struggling mother trying to find money to take care of their child probably ranks as one of the top forgivable reasons why a crime would be committed. Especially when it comes at the expense of some bank but laws are what they are which leaves Krista in this troubling situation. It all starts with the reality of her circumstance: a place where she feels she needs to commit a crime that could have horrific ramifications for her and her family to simply put food on the table. A level of desperation that will make anyone do something drastic, especially when it involves a child.
This setup allows us to get in the right mindset and line up with Krista as it informs all of the choices she makes moving forward within the narrative. Going from a citizen in good standing to where she finds herself makes quite the journey for her but it also enlightens on how institutions look at the source of funds and how it can represent them should they accept it seeing as Krista did this to benefit a child daycare center. The film asks if it would be such a bad thing to have these funds go to a good cause even with its illicit source. Essentially asking whether the ends justify the means even if those specific ends benefit literal children and the families caring for them.
Tension remains constant throughout this feature as it has Krista in this constant state of panic about those around her and how it fares for her future. It all leads to exactly what the title indicates as the total journey of this woman through this tumultuous time in her life. Crossing over into religion it makes for a great cross about her mental state and everything she values in her life as a whole.
Toeing the line between crime and personal development, Margarethe von Trotta does a splendid job of making this a singular experience for Krista. Other characters certainly make their way through in the impression they make but this remains the journey of one woman through this harrowing experience. One filled with reflection and the acknowledgment of one’s actions regardless of the intentions they may have held at the moment. This moral quandary sits square on the shoulders of Krista as she tries to discover exactly what she will do next and how she can reckon with the decisions she has made. Margarethe von Trotta expertly keeps it all within this self-contained feature aided by strong performances by the cast.
To the point and ultimately moving, The Second Awakening of Christa Klages creates a more than adequate story to follow a flawed character but one trying to do something positive even if the means comes from something ultimately wrong. Entering the mental space of this woman makes for something rewarding to watch as she goes through this journey and it all comes together from the strong performances, but ultimately from the strong direction Margarethe von Trotta as she lays everything out for better and for worse. Some good stuff overall and one that certainly does not overstay its welcome with its runtime. Certainly, one to appreciate for what it manages to do even with the faults it may have throughout its narrative.
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