Initiation Poster

Initiation 2009

★ 4.412 votes95 min📅 2009-11-04

Initiation (2009), helmed by Austrian filmmaker Peter Kern, delivers a poignant drama that explores the unexpected connection between two men from vastly different generations.

Director: Peter Kern

Cast

Helmut Berger
Helmut Berger
Gustav Tritzinsky
Harry Lampl
Harry Lampl
Axel
Melanie Kretschmann
Melanie Kretschmann
Jacob Ostermann a.k.a Christina Thürmer
Michael Steinocher
Michael Steinocher
Lippi
Manuel Rubey
Manuel Rubey
Snoopy
Matthias Franz Stein
Matthias Franz Stein
Wolfi
Oliver Rosskopf
Oliver Rosskopf
Peter
Sophie Schlichting
Eva
Heribert Sasse
Heribert Sasse
Willy
Gregor Seberg
Gregor Seberg
Dr. Kraake

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Initiation (2009) about?

Initiation (2009) tells the story of Axel, a troubled 16-year-old involved in a residential home riot, who forms an unlikely bond with Gustav, an elderly man who sees his younger self in the boy. Their relationship forces both to confront forgotten memories and the fragility of human connections.

Who directed Initiation?

Peter Kern directed Initiation (2009), bringing his signature introspective style to this drama centered on generational bonds.

Who stars in Initiation?

The film stars Helmut Berger, Melanie Kretschmann, Manuel Rubey, Harry Lampl, and Michael Steinocher in key roles that drive the narrative forward.

Is Initiation (2009) worth watching?

While Initiation (2009) may not be widely known, its intimate drama and nuanced performances make it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven films. The themes of loneliness and rediscovery resonate deeply, though its niche appeal might limit broader interest.

How long is Initiation?

Initiation has a runtime of 95 minutes.

About Initiation (2009) — When a teen rioter meets an elderly man haunted by the past

Initiation (2009), helmed by Austrian filmmaker Peter Kern, delivers a poignant drama that explores the unexpected connection between two men from vastly different generations. At its core, the film follows Axel, a rebellious 16-year-old caught up in the chaos of rioting at a residential home, where he crosses paths with Gustav, an 80-year-old man who sees in the teenager a haunting resemblance to his long-lost love. What begins as a fleeting encounter soon evolves into a relationship that challenges both characters to confront their pasts and redefine their present.

Set against a stark, gritty backdrop, Initiation (2009) unfolds with a raw emotional intensity, blending themes of loneliness, nostalgia, and the search for meaning. Kern's direction infuses the narrative with a melancholic yet tender atmosphere, while the performances of Helmut Berger as Gustav and Manuel Rubey as Axel anchor the story in deeply human terms. The film serves as a meditation on how fleeting connections can leave indelible marks on our lives, regardless of age or circumstance.