A silent film about making the first talkie—starring an all-female cast. Chaos? Absolutely.
In the face of executives insisting on selling UFA, producer Kaufmann, infused with the same spirit as President Klitzsch, declares that they will make a low-budget entertainment film that the public is sure to love. Who will take on such an audacious task? When Kaufmann himself is shuttered, one man takes up the challenge—Theo Wegmann, an assistant director at UFA. Foreseeing the end of the age of silent films, Theo suggests making a talking movie with singing. If Hollywood can do it, so can we here in Berlin! With the condition that he gets to choose his cast and staff, Theo promises Kaufmann that he will produce a low-budget movie that will entertain everyone and be a major hit.
Production
Film-within-film structure mirrors actual Takarazuka staging.
Costume
Gender-swapped 1920s Berlin glamour, impeccably detailed.
Acting
Male roles played by women—otokoyaku tradition shines.
Director
Harada Ryou
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Takarazuka Revue's otokoyaku tradition—women playing male 'prince' roles—dates to 1914 and subverts rigid Japanese gender norms while ironically reinforcing them.
The real UFA studio did face Nazi takeover; this fictional rescue mission imagines an alternate history where art outmaneuvers politics.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
JP
