Feb 17 • 12:57 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany SZ

Berlinale: Blessed are the suspenders

The film 'Rose', showcased at the Berlinale, tells the story of a woman in the 17th century who disguises herself as a man to claim her inheritance, challenging gender norms of her time.

At the Berlinale film festival, the historical drama 'Rose' is being featured, centering on the character played by Sandra Hüller, who represents a woman in the 17th century. This character, Rose, disguises herself as a man to take her rightful place in a village community as the heir to an abandoned estate, which historically was a privilege reserved for men. The film opens with Rose navigating through a forest, presenting herself with confidence and asserting her legitimacy through documentation of her inheritance, despite the skepticism and resistance she faces from the male characters around her.

The portrayal of Rose is marked by a powerful performance from Hüller, who conveys the complexity of her character—a soldier with a distinct scar on her face, embodying the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. The film reflects on themes of identity and the lengths one must go to challenge societal norms and gain recognition. The men in the village harbor doubts about accepting Rose, associating their masculinity with their heritage and feeling betrayed at the thought of relinquishing their property to a woman disguised as a man.

Overall, 'Rose' not only tells the story of gender and identity confrontation but also serves as a statement from Sandra Hüller, who is navigating her own rising stardom as a prominent figure in the film industry. It reinforces the ongoing conversation about gender roles and challenges perceptions of what it means to be a rightful heir in a context where such entitlements have been historically confined to men. This film thus emerges as a significant commentary on contemporary issues through the lens of historical narrative.

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