Watch Water Drops on Burning Rocks

Water Drops on Burning Rocks is a French-German film released in 2000, directed by Francois Ozon and based on a play of the same name by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. The movie features Bernard Giraudeau, Malik Zidi, and Ludivine Sagnier in the lead roles. The movie is an intense drama that explores the interplay between love, power, and desire.

The story is set in 1970s Germany, where a middle-aged businessman named Léopold (Bernard Giraudeau) seduces a young man named Franz (Malik Zidi) and invites him to live in his apartment. Franz falls madly in love with Léopold, who initially ignores him but eventually reciprocates his feelings. The two men embark on an intense and passionate love affair, but the relationship is soon threatened when Léopold's ex-girlfriend, Vera (Ludivine Sagnier), shows up at their doorstep.

Vera is a beautiful and manipulative young woman who knows how to get what she wants. She is determined to win back Léopold, and her presence creates tension and jealousy between the two men. As the story progresses, we witness the power dynamics between the characters shift constantly, with each one trying to assert their dominance over the other.

The film is shot in a minimalistic style, with most of the action taking place in Léopold's apartment. The film has a distinct theatrical feel, with long takes and continuous shots that allow the characters to fully develop and express themselves. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the characters are multi-dimensional, each with their own quirks and flaws.

Water Drops on Burning Rocks is a film that deals with themes of love, power, and desire in a frank and honest way. The movie explores the complexities of human relationships and the way emotions can be both liberating and destructive. The film also deals with issues related to sexuality and gender identity, offering a fresh perspective on these issues that remains relevant even today.

The acting in the film is superb, with each actor delivering a powerful and nuanced performance. Bernard Giraudeau is outstanding as the suave and charismatic Léopold, who uses his charm and wit to get what he wants. Malik Zidi is equally impressive as the naive and vulnerable Franz, who is desperate to find love and acceptance. Ludivine Sagnier is also excellent as the seductive and manipulative Vera, who knows how to play the men in her life like a fiddle.

Overall, Water Drops on Burning Rocks is a must-watch film for anyone who appreciates nuanced storytelling and complex characters. The movie offers a refreshing and insightful approach to themes of love, power, and desire that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to explore the depths of the human soul and to shed light on the intricacies of the human experience.

Water Drops on Burning Rocks is a 2000 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 73.