Watch Beyond Silence

Beyond Silence is a German drama film released in 1996, directed by Caroline Link. The movie revolves around the story of a young girl named Lara, who is the child of two deaf-mute parents. Lara has a passion for music, and despite being born into a world of silence, she develops a keen interest in playing the clarinet. The movie explores challenges faced by people who are deaf-mute, the impact on their lives and the people around them.

At the beginning of the movie, Lara is shown as a young girl living with her family in Germany. Her parents, Martin and Kai, both deaf-mute, work as craftsmen to support their family. When Lara turns eight, she is introduced to music by her aunt, who is a musician herself. Lara is captivated by the sound of the clarinet, and her aunt promises to teach her the instrument.

Lara’s parents are initially sceptical about her interest in music, as they see it as a world of sound that they will never be able to experience. However, with the help of her paternal grandparents, who can hear, Lara begins taking lessons and makes rapid progress. Her aunt also takes a special interest in her progress and helps her audition for a music school in Berlin.

As Lara’s musical talent grows, she starts to see herself as a separate person from her parents, and she becomes frustrated with their lack of understanding of her passion. Her relationship with her mother is particularly strained, as she feels that her mother is overprotective and overly dependent on her.

The movie delves deep into the complexities of relationships and communication between deaf and hearing individuals. In one scene, Lara’s father opens up about his feelings, saying that he feels like an outsider in a world of sound. He tells Lara that he is proud of her achievements but also feels left behind. In another scene, Lara’s aunt teaches her how to express herself through sign language, showing that despite the communication barrier, it is still possible to connect and understand each other.

As Lara progresses in her musical career, she meets a hearing man named Thomas, who becomes her romantic interest. Thomas also has a keen interest in music and appreciates Lara’s talent. Their relationship is put to the test when Lara has to choose between staying with her family and pursuing her dream of becoming a renowned musician.

The movie is an emotional journey that explores themes of family, identity, and communication. The acting performances are exceptional, particularly Sylvie Testud, who plays the main character, Lara. She delivers a powerful and nuanced depiction of a young woman who is torn between her love for her family and her passion for music.

Another standout performance is that of Howie Seago, who plays Lara’s father, Martin. As a real-life deaf-mute actor, Seago brings an authenticity to the role that is rare to see in movies. Tatjana Trieb, who plays Lara’s mother, also delivers a strong performance, displaying the character’s vulnerabilities and fierce protectiveness towards her daughter.

The movie also benefits from a beautiful score, composed by Niki Reiser, which uses the clarinet as a central instrument. The music adds to the emotional weight of the story, making Lara’s relationship to music even more poignant.

Overall, Beyond Silence is a touching and insightful movie that sheds light on the complexities of being deaf-mute, while also showcasing the power of music to transcend boundaries. The story is well-paced, and the characters are fully realized, making it a movie that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.