Mostly Martha, 2002 (Grade B+)

Director: Sandra Nettelbeck
Awards? none that I know of
Starring: Martina Gedeck; Sergio Castelitto; Maxime Foerste; August Zirner; Ulrich Thomsen; Sibylle Canonica, Katja Studt; Idil Uner

sez says: what a lovely movie--rich with the colors of food beautifully prepared, and intimate with closely drawn characters. Mar-ta (as her name is pronounced) has given over every aspect of her life to becoming--and being--the '2nd best chief' in the city (her boss calls her 2nd best just to annoy her).  She has no life outside her work.  Her boss has told her she has to go to a therapist or she will be fired. But she has no idea why she's been sent to a therapist.   Then her sister dies and her niece has no where to go but to come live with her.  Thus the story sets up her coping and finding ways to interact with other people. The story is formulaic --but it is very well done..and it is beautiful to watch.  (Grade B+)