Okay, let me start by acknowledging that this Film isn't going to win an Oscar BUT what first feature, let alone a low budget one, does?
That being said, I think the other reviews are jaded at best. Especially because these reviewers couldn't be bothered to finish the film after watching for it 40 Minutes. You're halfway, just finish it if you want to review it.
Sadly the previous reviews ring of jealousy, basically saying that they could do a better job. Well then, I implore those reviewers to do so and they will find out just how hard it actually is.
In my opinion, as an aspiring filmmaker, that has screened films at many festivals. This was an excellent attempt at a low budget period feature. Was I laughing the whole time? No, but was I laughing? Yes.
The costumes were pretty good, the team obviously knew where to spend the limited budget, because, the costumes and sound track were pretty on point.
Colour me impressed, as that seems to be only thing that the other reviewers and myself can agree on. Nowhere in the other reviews are they complaining about costume - Which is usually the first issue with a period piece, let alone a low budget period piece.
Speaking of colour, the grading was also done pretty well for a low budget feature. For our reviewers that have obviously never made a film, GRADING IS EXPENSIVE, as it takes a long time to get right. So the fact that the grading was done pretty well, is again a testament to how the budget was spent.
Nor are these other reviewers complaining about camera or audio quality, which again is usually pretty bad in a low budget feature, but here again, it was pretty on point.
Now I'm not blind to issues with some of acting at times and the script overall isn't amazing BUT it is original and they managed to get funding, enough funding to get the rights to use the image of a Privately owned German Castle that is Private Property and would require a release form. Which already deserves a standing ovation.
All around, I think this is a good watch for any aspiring filmmaker that wants to see what can be achieved with a limited budget.
Is it perfect? No but no film ever is, the point is that they got it done and they focused on some pretty important production elements. Which made it a bearable watch, as any person that has actually made a film would be able to spot that this is a first attempt at Long form.
Am I going to recommend this to my Mother? No.
Would I recommend that young film students watch it? Yes.
There's a lot to learn here for a young aspiring filmmaker but if you're not in the industry, then sure, give it a miss.
Otherwise well done!
