The cinematography is absolutely extraordinary. You could fill an entire museum with beautiful pictures of the camera shots in this movie.

There is a predominantly existentialist theme at the core of "Wings of Desire", and it definitely will appeal to those conflicted in their search for meaning in an absurd world. I went through such a period during my college years and into my Twenties. However there comes a time when one has to face reality and deal with life as it is or one succumbs to a futile existence of melancholy. Such seemed to be the case not only with the many humans observed by the Angel Damiel (Bruno Ganz), but also Damiel himself. As an angel, Damiel and his cohorts spent an eternity observing the human condition, with virtually no appreciation of the joy and freedom life offers. Honestly, this got to be tedious for me after a while, there's only so much pessimistic sentiment I allow myself before getting my mind back on track, and that doesn't take very long now. I did like however that a favorite hangout for the angels seemed to be a public library, a repository if you will of earthly knowledge, though attaining knowledge didn't seem to be necessary for those like Damiel and his close compatriot Cassiel (Otto Sander). It appeared that they were confidently aware of history and the Earthly world around them. It was reassuring that while observing, they did not presume to interfere, if even they could have done so. What was irritating to me however was how so many people who's thoughts were revealed felt that their personal situations trapped them in quiet desperation. As if they didn't have a choice, but they did, and choosing not to do something is in itself a choice. The appearance of Peter Falk in the picture, oddly enough portraying himself, was somewhat of a nice distraction from the overall tone of the picture. Admittedly typecast in his career as detective Colombo, it was humorous to see some young men in the street refer to him by that name, qualifying the idea that it couldn't be him because of the shabby trench coat. Additionally, the momentary sequences that drifted into color during the story were well placed and timely, adding an element of hope to an otherwise solemn and brooding aspect of the story. My main point I guess is that one can question existence about 'Why am I here?' without going overboard, as there comes a point when deciding takes precedence over destiny. With that realization, one can live in the now instead of agonizing over an infinity of choices.

Greetings from Lithuania."Der Himmel über Berlin" (1987) (or best known as "Wings of Desire") is definitely a movie created not for mainstream audiences. While it's first 30 minutes didn't blew my away to say the least, after some 30 minute mark i got the overall mood and most important feeling for this movie - after i finished it i can say - it's kinda great one. Kinda - because it is rough around the edges: it is not superbly paced (it drags here and there), you can clearly see when many extras are staring at the camera or crew behind it or even some bad "acting" from them and it kinda lacks a more strait narrative during it's first half hour. But then this movie got better, a lot.Overall, "Wings of Desire" is surely not for everyone. It's more like a poetry movie about the ideas, and there are many, deep and haunting ones. Acting by lead actors were very solid. Directing and screenplay are inspiring. And there is a very special appearance by Columbo himself Peter Falk as ... Peter Falk. This is a one very special appearance. And one unusually rough but kinda great movie overall.

What's the best word to describe this piece of cinematography? BORING. This might actually be one of the most boring films I've ever seen!! I could hardly keep my eyes open and watch the whole film. It is so pretentious I want to cry!! Like "Oh my God think!! Think, of how great life is!!" So annoyingly romantic and hopeful, it's plain sappy. Seriously, I recommend this to anyone with sleeping problems, just let it play on the background and you will sleep like a baby. Also great for hipsters and anyone who wants to seem thoughtful and intellectual. If you think this movie is oh-so meaningful and beautiful, oh well I hope your guardian angel will help you out with your taste in films.