Search - The Forest For the Trees on DVD

Nothing is a substitute for Reality

Jeffrey Huntington | 10/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had borrowed this film from a local library and now I am seeking to find a copy for my collection of films which are overlooked and have that true to life feel. As someone that has reached an age and hopefully taste requiring my selection of films hit a nerve of believability. When the main character, a school teacher, is assigned to work in her first job, I was completely drawn to her performance. I could easily say that one will also find everything about her effort to deal with her students and coworkers a very personal experience eliciting a connection in life. For myself this is what a successful film does and so I am eagerly adding this to my collection."

And the message is........

B Gardner | OK United States | 01/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I guess I like things all tied up in bows, but I was left feeling empty and unsatisfied. I could really sympathize with Melanie and her naive, awkward nature, but I longed for a happy ending or at least one that had resolution.
As a teacher I could empathize with her despair at not being able to control a class. ( Been there, done that, and fortunately learned the tricks of the trade.) But I can't believe the administrator of the school didn't step in to try to solve the problems either through assigning a mentor teacher or by suggesting she consider another line of employment. Didn't parents complain? Where was her support network? I know this is Germany, but surely there is a system in place to help struggling new teachers.

The film was good, but had too many holes. Besides a message of " let's sit and watch a loser destroy herself", I hoped for more."

A special 'student' film with a great lead perfomance

K. Gordon | 05/14/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Shot on DV by student filmmakers, this harrowing, heartbreaking story
of a socially isolated young schoolteacher's gradual breakdown has an
amazing, complex central performance, as well as strong supporting
work, and intelligent writing.

A major case of substance triumphing over form, lack of money, and lack
of experience. A film that takes you into the heart of loneliness.
Not easy or 'fun' to watch, but deeply rewarding."

Your heart goes out to her...

Hans Arp | Maine USA | 07/10/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"An at times hard to watch little film about a socially insecure young woman trying to make a new life in a new city and finding many difficulties. I was instantly struck by the low budget look and feel of this film and it did take awhile to adjust to sets which seemed hastily put together and the oft times confused camera angles. The other reviews here do a good job summing up what goes on throughout the story. I might not re-watch this one for a long time."