Delikatessen (1927) Review: A Sweet, Simple Silent Comedy

So, Delikatessen. Is it worth watching today? Yeah, I think so, especially if you have a soft spot for silent films or just enjoy a simple, charming story. You’ll probably like it if you’re in the mood for something light, a bit of old-school romance, and a peek into 1927 cinema. If loud, fast-paced modern stuff is all you watch, then this might feel like watching paint dry. Just a heads up. 🎬

The whole thing centers on two guys, Franz and Bela, who work at a deli. Franz, played by Hans Junkermann, he's the manager and a real charmer. Like, he just knows how to talk to people, you know?

Then there's Bela, played by Ernö Verebes, more of a quiet type, kinda gets overshadowed. They both meet Lilo, the new girl in town, and things get a bit messy.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Delikatessen (1930) through its definitive frames.

Lilo, played by Georgia Lind, is just delightful. You can see why both fellas are taken with her. Bela tries his best, bless him, but Franz just sweeps her off her feet, you know? There's this one scene where Franz just *smiles* at her, and it's so clear he's got this easy confidence that Bela just doesn't. Poor Bela looks like *he's trying remember his lines* when he talks to her.

There's this big party at Mr. Wallis's deli, and it gets a little wild. Not like, *super* wild for today’s standards, but for 1927? Definitely a lively affair. Afterwards, Mr. Wallis just tells Franz to beat it. Straight up. It’s kinda sudden, but also feels earned because Franz was a bit *too* smooth for his own good. Then Lilo gets hired in his place. A real twist there.

So Franz and Bela, they end up across the street, working for Mr. Markow. And that’s where the real fun begins: a full-on deli war! ⚔️ It’s not explosions, obviously, but more like, *who can sell most sausages*? The little competitive glances between the two shops are pretty funny. You can almost feel the movie trying to make you root for one over the other, but it's hard when both look a bit silly.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Delikatessen (1930) through its definitive frames.

There's this moment where Franz is trying to lure customers away, and he just keeps making these grand gestures with his hands, like he’s conducting an orchestra of pastries. Meanwhile, Bela just stands there, looking a bit lost, trying to hand out samples. It’s these small, almost overlooked bits of body language that really sell their different personalities. Ernö Szenes, as Mr. Markow, has some great facial expressions too. Just a slight raise of an eyebrow tells you everything.

The pacing is pretty gentle. It never feels rushed, which is nice. Some scenes just let you sit with the characters for a bit. There’s a scene where Lilo is just arranging some bread rolls, and it goes on maybe 10 seconds too long, but it gives you a real feel for everyday life in the shop. You kinda start to appreciate the quietness. 🧘‍♀️

One thing that caught my eye was the costumes. Everyone is so neatly dressed, even the common folk. It gives the whole film a polished, slightly idealised look. The hats! Oh, the hats are just fantastic. So many different styles. Makes you wonder what happened to all those great hat-wearing traditions.

The ending is… well, I won't spoil it, but it ties things up in a neat little bow, as these films often did. It’s not a shocking twist or anything, but it leaves you with a smile. It’s a good example of how simple stories can still be really engaging, even without a single spoken word. The acting carries everything.

Honestly, it’s not a film that will change your life, but it’s a solid, enjoyable watch. It's got a certain charm, you know? Like finding an old photograph that makes you smile. 😊