"Sissi" is an Austrian German-language movie that is having its 60th anniversary this year. And it is not only the defining film in Romy Schneider (too short) career, but often also considered one of the best and most known period pieces that do not come from the United States. Here in Germany, everybody knows this movie, even younger generations, at least by name. The writer and director is Ernst Marischka, who has already made films for over 40 years when he made "Sissi". And he was also an Academy award nominee for writing the screenplay "A Song to Remember". There's 2 more Sissi films by Marischka and this trilogy is certainly his most known legacy. All 3 films star Romy Schneider, her mother Magda and Karlheinz Böhm as the male lead.
I must say Romy Schneider is absolutely stunning and in terms of costumes, sets and basically all kinds of visuals, this is a very decent watch. Too bad, the story is not even close to that level of quality. It is cheesy, predictable and does not include convincing character elaborations. Sadly, the acting is not exactly that good either. But in all fairness, the material is so weak at times that it would be pretty much impossible for any actor to make this work, or even make it a compelling watch. The ending of the film obviously indicated that there would be a sequel, but to me another "Sissi" movie was not necessary judging from the first. The characters are all so stereotypical, all good or bad, but really hardly any shades at all. And the way you will inevitable feel for Sissi is not enough to make up for everything that's wrong with this movie. Apart from that, it also comes somewhat short on the emotional side compared to what it could have been. The humor (mostly about Böhm's character's assistant) is bearable at best, rarely funny, occasionally cringeworthy. The political aspects are references at times, but never really elaborated on, which makes this movie pointless in terms of history. A disappointing film that does not deserve its cult status. Not recommended.
I must say Romy Schneider is absolutely stunning and in terms of costumes, sets and basically all kinds of visuals, this is a very decent watch. Too bad, the story is not even close to that level of quality. It is cheesy, predictable and does not include convincing character elaborations. Sadly, the acting is not exactly that good either. But in all fairness, the material is so weak at times that it would be pretty much impossible for any actor to make this work, or even make it a compelling watch. The ending of the film obviously indicated that there would be a sequel, but to me another "Sissi" movie was not necessary judging from the first. The characters are all so stereotypical, all good or bad, but really hardly any shades at all. And the way you will inevitable feel for Sissi is not enough to make up for everything that's wrong with this movie. Apart from that, it also comes somewhat short on the emotional side compared to what it could have been. The humor (mostly about Böhm's character's assistant) is bearable at best, rarely funny, occasionally cringeworthy. The political aspects are references at times, but never really elaborated on, which makes this movie pointless in terms of history. A disappointing film that does not deserve its cult status. Not recommended.