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Faraway, So Close! (1993) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Faraway, So Close! (1993) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
1993 · 146 min · German
Directed by
Wim Wenders
Starring
Peter Falk, Bruno Ganz, Rüdiger Vogler, Lou Reed, Otto Sander, Solveig Dommartin

A guardian angel’s compassionate actions ignite a deep desire for a human connection. As he begins to experience mortal emotions and sensations, the line between the spiritual realm and Earth becomes increasingly indistinct. This sequel tenderly explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the profound meaning of life, examining the challenges and beauty of bridging two different worlds.

Drama Fantasy Romance Cast, crew & box office
On this page (8)
  1. 1 Characters explained (4)
  2. 2 Where & when it takes place
  3. 3 Themes & meaning (3)
  4. 4 Character & meaning questions
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Faraway, So Close!
  7. 7 Categories
  8. 8 Every angle

4 main characters · contains spoilers

Faraway, So Close! Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Faraway, So Close! (1993), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Cassiel

    played by Rüdiger Vogler

    Cassiel, a once-observant angel, becomes deeply involved in human complexities, illustrating his yearning to experience life. As he faces the challenges of mortality, his fascination with humanity drives his actions and moral dilemmas. His transformation highlights the struggle between celestial duties and earthly desires.

    • 👼 Angel
    • 🚶‍♂️ Mortal
    • 💔 Sacrifice

  • Damiel

    played by Peter Falk

    Damiel has embraced human life, running Casa dell'Angelo and sharing his love with Marion and Doria. His nurturing nature and prior experience as an angel empower him to support Cassiel during tumultuous times. Damiel represents hope and friendship, embodying the joys and responsibilities of mortal life.

    • 🍕 Pizzeria Owner
    • 👨‍👧 Family Man
    • 🌟 Hope

  • Raissa Becker

    Raissa is a young girl from former East Berlin whose life becomes entangled with Cassiel's journey. Her struggles with her mother's secrets and the influence of characters like Philip Winter illustrate her vulnerability. Ultimately, her choices and the chaos around her shape her character development.

    • 💃 Dancer
    • 🚧 Innocence
    • 🥀 Vulnerable

  • Philip Winter

    Philip Winter is a detective driven by his responsibilities but becomes a pivotal figure in Raissa's life. His pursuit of justice complicates matters as he intertwines with Cassiel and other characters. His character reflects the complexities of duty and moral dilemmas.

    • 🕵️‍♂️ Detective
    • ⚖️ Justice
    • 💼 Morality

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:09

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Setting

Where and When Does Faraway, So Close! Take Place?

The setting of Faraway, So Close! (1993): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting the complexities and moral challenges of modern life. The post-Cold War era in Berlin is marked by socio-political changes that significantly impact the characters' lives, especially for Raissa, who navigates her past in former East Berlin.

Location

Berlin, Brandenburg Gate, Casa dell'Angelo

The bustling streets of Berlin serve as the backdrop for this ethereal tale, highlighting both its vibrant urban life and hidden struggles. The Brandenburg Gate stands as a symbol of unity and history, providing a dramatic setting for profound conversations between the angels. Casa dell'Angelo, a cozy pizzeria, represents warmth and love amid chaos, where Damiel shares his life with his family.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🕊️ Iconic Landmark
  • 🍕 Pizzeria

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:09

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3 major themes

Faraway, So Close! Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Faraway, So Close! (1993) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Redemption

    The theme of redemption is central to Cassiel's journey as he transitions from an observing angel to a human entangled in moral struggles. His willingness to sacrifice for others exemplifies the potential for change and growth, showcasing the power of love and friendship. The narrative challenges the essence of right and wrong, emphasizing that every choice can lead to profound consequences.

  • Morality

    The film intricately explores moral conflicts, particularly through Cassiel's narrative as he grapples with the complexities of human existence. His descents into criminality and addiction illustrate the temptations and pitfalls of humanity. Interactions with characters like Philip Winter and Anton Baker further elucidate the blurry lines between right and wrong.

  • Sacrifice

    Sacrifice emerges as a powerful theme as Cassiel ultimately risks everything for Raissa's safety. His journey encapsulates the essence of selflessness, culminating in his fate to save others. This theme underscores the interconnectedness of relationships and the lengths one will go for those they cherish.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:09

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Character & theme questions

Faraway, So Close! Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Faraway, So Close! (1993): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

What city is Faraway, So Close! set in?

The film is set in Berlin, specifically the bustling streets that serve as a backdrop for the story. The city is portrayed with both its vibrant urban life and hidden struggles, providing an ethereal quality to the narrative.

  • berlin
  • setting
  • location
  • german city
Q2

What is the role of the Brandenburg Gate in the movie?

The Brandenburg Gate stands as a symbolic landmark in the film, representing unity and history. It serves as a dramatic setting for profound conversations between the angels, anchoring the spiritual narrative within Berlin's historical landscape.

  • brandenburg gate
  • berlin
  • landmark
  • symbolism
Q3

What is Casa dell'Angelo in the story?

Casa dell'Angelo is a cozy pizzeria run by Damiel, representing warmth and love amid the chaos of Berlin. It serves as a safe haven where Damiel shares his life with his family, embodying the joy and responsibilities of mortal existence.

  • casa dell'angelo
  • pizzeria
  • damiel
  • sanctuary
Q4

When is Faraway, So Close! set?

The film is set in a contemporary, post-Cold War era in Berlin. This specific time period is marked by socio-political changes that significantly impact the characters' lives, particularly for Raissa as she navigates her past in former East Berlin.

  • post-cold war
  • contemporary
  • berlin
  • time period
  • east berlin
Q5

Who is Cassiel in Faraway, So Close!?

Cassiel is a guardian angel who transforms from an observing celestial being into a human entangled in moral struggles. His journey represents a deep yearning to experience life and mortal emotions, ultimately illustrating the challenges of bridging the spiritual realm with earthly existence.

  • cassiel
  • angel
  • protagonist
  • transformation
Q6

What happened to Damiel in the sequel?

Damiel is a former angel who has fully embraced human life, running Casa dell'Angelo with his family. His prior experience as an angel empowers him to support Cassiel during difficult times, representing hope and the joys of mortal existence.

  • damiel
  • angel
  • human life
  • pizzeria owner
Q7

Who is Raissa Becker in the film?

Raissa Becker is a young girl from former East Berlin whose life becomes entangled with Cassiel's journey. Her struggles with her mother's secrets and the influence of other characters illustrate her vulnerability and the impact of Berlin's socio-political changes on personal lives.

  • raissa becker
  • east berlin
  • character
  • vulnerability
Q8

What is Philip Winter's role in the story?

Philip Winter is a detective driven by his sense of responsibility who becomes a pivotal figure in Raissa's life. His pursuit of justice complicates matters as he intertwines with Cassiel and other characters, reflecting the complexities of duty and moral dilemmas.

  • philip winter
  • detective
  • justice
  • raissa
Q9

How is redemption explored in Faraway, So Close!?

Redemption is central to Cassiel's journey as he transitions from an observing angel to a human entangled in moral struggles. His willingness to sacrifice for others showcases the potential for change and growth, emphasizing that every choice can lead to profound consequences.

  • redemption
  • cassiel
  • sacrifice
  • transformation
Q10

What moral conflicts does Faraway, So Close! examine?

The film intricately explores moral conflicts through Cassiel's narrative as he grapples with the complexities of human existence. His descents into criminality and addiction illustrate the temptations and pitfalls of humanity, blurring the lines between right and wrong.

  • morality
  • ethics
  • temptation
  • cassiel
  • human nature
Q11

How does sacrifice appear in the film?

Sacrifice emerges as a powerful theme as Cassiel ultimately risks everything for Raissa's safety. His journey encapsulates selflessness, culminating in his fate to save others, underscoring the interconnectedness of relationships and the lengths one will go for those they cherish.

  • sacrifice
  • cassiel
  • raissa
  • selfless
  • love
Q12

What happens when an angel becomes human in Faraway, So Close!?

When Cassiel becomes human, he experiences mortal emotions and sensations for the first time, making the line between the spiritual realm and Earth increasingly indistinct. This transformation brings both joy and profound challenges as he navigates the complexities of human existence.

  • angel
  • human
  • transformation
  • mortality
  • experience
Q13

How does the Berlin division affect the story?

The post-Cold War setting with former East Berlin plays a significant role in the narrative. Characters like Raissa navigate their past in this divided city, and the socio-political changes of reunification significantly impact their lives and choices throughout the film.

  • east berlin
  • west berlin
  • division
  • reunification
  • berlin wall

Movie threads

More Movies Like Faraway, So Close!, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Faraway, So Close! tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about spiritual longing like Faraway, So Close!

Stories about supernatural beings yearning for the messy beauty of human life. If you liked the melancholic, hopeful tone of Faraway, So Close!, explore more movies about angels, ghosts, and other spiritual beings yearning for human connection. These stories blend fantasy, drama, and romance to explore the bittersweet beauty and sacrifice of bridging two different worlds.

  • metaphysical
  • melancholic
  • hopeful
  • dreamlike
  • poignant
  • contemplative
  • Tone: melancholic, hopeful, poignant
  • Pacing: steady, contemplative
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a non-human protagonist who observes or interacts with humanity, developing an empathetic and often romantic connection to the mortal world. Their journey involves a pivotal choice to experience life as a human, leading to a deep exploration of love, loss, and the meaning of existence, frequently ending with a poignant sacrifice that carries a glimmer of hope.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together by their unique blend of metaphysical fantasy and deep human emotion. They share a contemplative, melancholic, yet hopeful tone, a steady pacing that allows for philosophical reflection, and a central theme of existential longing that transcends their specific plots.

Wings of Desire movie poster

Wings of Desire

1988
Faraway, So Close! movie poster

Faraway, So Close!

1993
Fallen Angels movie poster

Fallen Angels

2002
In the Aftermath movie poster

In the Aftermath

1988
The Ignorant Fairies movie poster

The Ignorant Fairies

2002
Seth et Holth movie poster

Seth et Holth

1993
The Garden of Allah movie poster

The Garden of Allah

1936
The Driftless Area movie poster

The Driftless Area

2015

Character dramas with urban melancholy like Faraway, So Close!

Character-driven dramas where a city's grit contrasts with deep personal reflection. Find movies like Faraway, So Close! that blend a steady, thoughtful pace with a melancholic urban atmosphere. These character-driven dramas often involve themes of redemption, loneliness, and finding connection, set against the backdrop of a city that feels both isolating and full of potential meaning.

  • melancholic
  • contemplative
  • urban
  • gritty
  • lonely
  • poignant
  • Tone: melancholic, contemplative, gritty
  • Pacing: steady, observational
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative unfolds in a contemporary city, not as a glamorous backdrop but as a reflection of the characters' internal states. The plot is driven by character decisions and moral dilemmas rather than high-stakes action, often intertwining separate lives. The focus is on the emotional and philosophical weight of everyday struggles, leading to an ending that acknowledges pain but retains a sense of hard-won wisdom.

Why they belong together: These films share a specific mood and pacing: a steady, methodical rhythm that allows for contemplation, paired with a melancholic yet not utterly bleak tone. They combine the metaphysical or philosophical with the grounded reality of urban life, creating a unique vibe of thoughtful realism.

From the Terrace movie poster

From the Terrace

1960
Sad Movie movie poster

Sad Movie

2005
A Distant Neighborhood movie poster

A Distant Neighborhood

2010
Manhattan Romance movie poster

Manhattan Romance

2015
New York City Serenade movie poster

New York City Serenade

2007
Those People movie poster

Those People

2016
Side Streets movie poster

Side Streets

1934
Leaving Metropolis movie poster

Leaving Metropolis

2002

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Categories

Movie Lists Featuring Faraway, So Close!

Faraway, So Close! appears in these hand-built movie categories. Each one groups movies by a specific mood, theme or story type, with their plot summaries and endings explained.

View all movie categories
Hidden Mythical Beings movies

Hidden Mythical Beings

Movies about forgotten gods in modern world

Every angle

Faraway, So Close! (1993) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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