Where Hands Touch

Synopsis

Where Hands Touch is a 2018 historical romantic drama directed by Amma Asante, set in Nazi Germany during World War II. The film follows Leyna, a biracial teenager navigating the dangers of a rigidly racist society. As the daughter of a black father and white German mother, Leyna faces discrimination and isolation. When she crosses paths with Lutz, a young member of the Hitler Youth, an unlikely and forbidden romance blossoms between them, challenging the oppressive ideologies surrounding them. The story explores themes of identity, love, and resilience amid the harsh realities of war, racial prejudice, and survival in a divided world.

Cast

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  Amandla Stenberg

  Leyna

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  George MacKay

  Lutz

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  Abbie Cornish

  Kerstin

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  Christopher Eccleston

  Heinz

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  Tom Sweet

  Koen

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  Alec Newman

  Juttner

Reviews

Where Hands Touch has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 43% approval rating, reflecting divided opinions about its execution and narrative approach. The critical consensus notes that, while the movie ambitiously tackles complex themes of race and love in Nazi Germany, it sometimes struggles with pacing and depth. On Metacritic, it has a score of 44 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews. Reviewers have praised Amandla Stenberg's compelling and nuanced performance as Leyna, highlighting her emotional depth and presence. Variety noted that the film "attempts to shed light on an often overlooked aspect of World War II history with sensitivity," but also mentioned that the romance feels "somewhat contrived in places." IMDb users gave the movie a rating of 6.6/10, with many appreciating the courageous storytelling and strong performances, though some criticized the plot for being predictable and melodramatic. Overall, the film is seen as an ambitious romance and historical drama that provokes thought but is occasionally undermined by uneven storytelling.