The City Below

Synopsis

In the German drama film 'The City Below' (original title 'Unter dir die Stadt'), directed by Christoph Hochhäusler, a powerful erotic encounter sets off a chain of events that intertwine the lives of a banker named Svenja and a maintenance worker named Roland. As their paths converge, the film explores the complexities of desire, ambition, and power in the urban landscape of Frankfurt. 'The City Below' delves into the moral dilemmas faced by its characters as they navigate the intricate web of personal and professional relationships, ultimately leading to unexpected consequences that challenge their beliefs and values.

Cast

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  Nicolette Krebitz

  Svenja Steve

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  Robert Hunger-Bühler

  Roland Cordes

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  Mark Waschke

  Oliver Steve

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  Corinna Kirchhoff

  Claudia Cordes

• 

  Lâm Vissay

  Andre Lau

• 

  Wolfgang Böck

  Werner Löbau

Reviews

The City Below has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its subtle storytelling and nuanced performances, while others found the pacing slow and the characters lacking depth. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a rating of 60%, with critics noting that the movie effectively captures the stark divide between the social classes and the moral compromises made in pursuit of success. The New York Times wrote, 'The City Below is a slow burn that simmers with tension, drawing the audience into its web of deceit and desire.' However, IMDb users rated the movie 6.2/10, with some viewers feeling disconnected from the characters and storyline. Metacritic gave it a score of 58 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews. Despite the polarizing opinions, the film's exploration of societal issues and the consequences of ambition make it a thought-provoking watch.