Watch Rohtenburg
- R
- 2007
- 1 hr 27 min
-
5.2 (3,653)
Rohtenburg is a psychological thriller movie that portrays the gruesome real-life events of Armin Meiwes, a notorious cannibal from Germany. The movie, directed by Martin Weisz and released in 2006, is a fictionalized and dramatized version of the infamous case that shocked the entire world in 2001. The story focuses on the character of Oliver (Thomas Kretschmann), a fictionalized version of Meiwes, who is a lonely and disturbed man living in the countryside of Germany. Oliver is obsessed with the idea of finding a willing victim whom he can kill, dismember, and consume. He scours the internet for like-minded people and finally finds a willing volunteer in Simon (Thomas Huber), a young man from Berlin who is looking for a sense of purpose in life.
Oliver and Simon go through an intense period of bonding and preparation for the ultimate act of cannibalism. They spend days together, discussing their concerns, and exploring their desires in the desolate forest of Rothenburg. During this time, Oliver reveals his deepest and darkest secrets to Simon, who is both fascinated and horrified by what he hears.
As the day of the "feast" approaches, Simon starts to have second thoughts about their plan. He tries to leave, but Oliver convinces him to go ahead with it by saying that this act will give them a sense of belonging and fulfillment. Simon agrees, and what follows is an utterly grim and frightening sequence of events that will change their lives forever.
Keri Russell plays the character of Katie, a fictionalized version of the investigating officer in the case. She tries to unravel the mystery of Simon's disappearance and eventually connects the dots to Oliver's lair in the forest. Katie's character adds an additional layer to the story, as she tries to understand the motives and reasons behind Oliver's heinous crime.
Rohtenburg is a disturbing and unsettling movie that offers a glimpse into the mind of a cannibal. The movie is not for everyone, as the subject matter is extremely graphic and disturbing. The narrative is slow-paced, with an emphasis on character development and the sense of impending doom.
The movie's cinematography is excellent, with beautiful shots of the countryside juxtaposed against the gruesome events unfolding in the forest. The soundtrack is haunting and eerie, which adds to the unsettling nature of the movie.
The performances by the lead actors are commendable, with Thomas Kretschmann perfectly portraying the mentally disturbed and lonely character of Oliver. Keri Russell's depiction of the investigating officer is subtle but effective, conveying a sense of empathy towards Oliver's plight.
Rohtenburg is a movie that stays with you long after the end credits roll. It raises questions about the nature of human desire, obsession, and loneliness, and provides a harrowing insight into the dark world of cannibalism. Although the movie is not for the faint-hearted, it offers a unique and challenging viewing experience.