Overview:

Wings of Desire (originally Der Himmel über Berlin) is a beautifully poetic and philosophical film directed by Wim Wenders. Set in a divided Berlin before the fall of the wall, the film follows two angels, Damiel (Bruno Ganz) and Cassiel (Otto Sander), who silently observe the lives of the people on the streets below. These angels, who can hear the thoughts of humans, long to understand the intricacies of human experience — love, loss, and the fleeting moments of life.

The film’s central story revolves around Damiel’s growing desire to experience life as a human after he falls in love with a beautiful trapeze artist named Marion (Solveig Dommartin). His decision to give up his celestial existence to live as a mortal forms the emotional heart of the film, and Wings of Desire poignantly explores themes of longing, choice, and transformation.

The cinematography, shot in both black-and-white and color, beautifully captures the contrasts between the detached, ethereal world of the angels and the vibrant, messy world of human life. Wenders’ use of imagery, sound, and atmosphere creates a dreamlike, meditative tone that invites reflection. The film’s pacing is slow, allowing the viewer to sink into its contemplative rhythm.