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The Ister (2004)
Runtime: 3 hrs 9 mins
Synopsis: The Ister is a 3000km journey to the heart of Europe, from the mouth of the Danube river on the Black Sea, to its source in the German Black Forest. Hailed by Scott Foundas of Variety as "a philosophical feast—at which it is possible to gorge oneself yet leave feeling elated," the film is based on... The Ister is a 3000km journey to the heart of Europe, from the mouth of the Danube river on the Black Sea, to its source in the German Black Forest. Hailed by Scott Foundas of Variety as "a philosophical feast—at which it is possible to gorge oneself yet leave feeling elated," the film is based on the work of the most influential and controversial philosopher of the 20th century, Martin Heidegger, who in 1933 swore allegiance to the National Socialists. By joining a vast philosophical narrative with an epic voyage along Europe's greatest waterway, The Ister invites you to unravel the extraordinary past and future of 'the West.' Awarded the National Research Cinemas Association (GNCR) Prize at the Marseille International Documentary Festival in 2004, and the Quebec Film Critic's Association Documentary Prize at the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma Montréal, 2004. --© First Run Features [More]
Genre: Education/General Interest
Reviews
An impressive philosophical exercise and a meditative work of cinematic beauty.
At over three hours, The Ister is challenging -- and then some. But what's wrong with challenging?
This uncompromisingly highbrow video essay voyages from the mouth of the Danube to the source, pausing en route for head-spinning detours into thickets of philosophy.
Is it fair to say that the language of philosophy is more or less writ in the manner of Final Jeopardy?
The headiest, head-scratching-est, damnedest, most demanding movie opening this week in New York.


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