mariannehettinger

"Mango Tango: The Director's Cut" offers a captivating journey through life's quirks, love, and conspiracy. Originally released in 2009, now revamped, it showcases Marianne Hettinger's directorial debut with finesse.

I first saw it with my wife Nola at a Munich film festival where it won hearts and now on tubi and it's even better, it's shorter, so the film emerges as being not one second too long. Set against New York, Germany, and the Alps, it blends humor, romance, and intrigue, daring to explore unconventional narratives.

Hettinger's portrayal of a woman looking for her soulmate is quite funny and heart warming and she also directs and wrote the script.

Great ensemble cast including Dr. Alan Goldstein, double-Emmy award winning actor Michael E. Knight and Patrick Stephenson, delivers memorable performances. Freddy Bosche shines as the male lead, while the exceptional music, composed by talents like Pablo Ziegler, enriches the film's atmosphere.

Despite budget constraints, Hettinger and her team created a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. "Mango Tango: The Director's Cut" is a testament to indie filmmaking's ability to captivate audiences. I'm sorry I'm not on imdb so I sent my review to the director herself and asked her to post it for me.

Nick Berzinski.

"Prince Harming" stands out as a gripping tale of survival and self-discovery in the wake of abuse. Marianne Hettinger, both in front of and behind the camera, delivers a masterful performance and direction that resonates deeply with audiences, particularly those who have experienced abusive relationships.

Hettinger's portrayal of the protagonist is riveting and authentic, capturing the emotional turmoil and eventual triumph with raw sincerity. Through her nuanced performance, viewers are invited to witness the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The supporting cast adds layers of complexity to the narrative, with Andreas Beckett's portrayal of the abuser sending chills down the spine. Deborah S. Craig and Velson D'Souza, as the protagonist's steadfast friends, offer a beacon of hope and support amidst the darkness, showcasing the importance of solidarity in times of need.

What sets "Prince Harming" apart is its unflinching portrayal of abuse and its aftermath. Hettinger fearlessly confronts the harsh realities of toxic relationships, refusing to romanticize or sensationalize the pain and trauma endured by survivors. Yet, amidst the heartache, there is a powerful message of empowerment and resilience, reminding viewers that they are not defined by their past.

As a director, Hettinger demonstrates a keen understanding of storytelling, employing intimate visuals and evocative imagery to immerse audiences in the protagonist's journey. The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing for moments of introspection and revelation that leave a lasting impact.

"Prince Harming" is a testament to the power of independent cinema to shine a light on important social issues. It's a film that prompts reflection and conversation, urging viewers to confront the realities of abuse while offering hope for healing and redemption.

Review by Nola Berzinski.

From the very beginning I was struck how bad this film was. The music- and there is music/ bad singing throughout- was bad. Nothing I wanted to listen to. Performances done for effect, hollow, not funny, not anything. Just bad. Like a bad, overambitious artsy high school musical .