Schlafes Bruder

At the beginning of the 19th century, a young man with an extraordinary musical talent grows up in a remote Alpine village. Already branded an outsider due to mistrust and resentment, he ultimately fails because of his unfulfilled love... A visually stunning film adaptation of Robert Schneider's successful novel.

Austria, early 19th century. The reserved Elias Alder lives in a sleepy Alpine village. Since childhood, Elias, who always seems somewhat detached, has been shunned by the other villagers. One reason for Elias' “otherness” lies in his ability to perceive all the sounds of the universe: Elias has perfect pitch and also an enchanting singing voice. His passion is music, and as a young man he delights the Eschbergers in church with his virtuoso organ playing. Elias' only true friend since childhood is his neighbor's son Peter, who has fallen into an almost idolatrous love for Elias. He watches suspiciously as his sister Elsbeth falls in love with Elias. Peter's raging jealousy of the shy love between Elsbeth and Elias ultimately leads to a chain of tragic events that threaten to plunge the entire village into the abyss... Robert Schneider's moving screenplay was brilliantly brought to life by veteran director Joseph Vilsmaier. His evocative images and Andrè Eisermann's ethereal performance make “Schlafes Bruder” an impressively exciting viewing experience.