DbcultAccessing Vault...
5.2/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.2/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Just Like Heaven remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet, simple rivalry, Just Like Heaven might just hit the spot. Folks who enjoy old-fashioned, gentle comedies with a touch of street performance will likely smile through this one. But if you need high stakes or complex drama, you’ll probably find it a bit too… airy. 🎈
The whole thing kicks off with a balloon seller, let's call him David (played by David Newell), who needs a scholarship. He's got these grand plans, but mostly he just needs a prime spot in the town center to sell his colorful balloons. Seems simple enough.
Then enters Anita Louise, playing the budding dancer. She's with a whole circus troupe, full of life and noise, and *they* also want that exact same spot. It’s a classic street performer turf war, really. A good old-fashioned clash of wills.
The early scenes really lean into this. David, trying to be all proper and business-like, setting up his little stall. Then the troupe just rolls in, all trumpets and tumbling, completely overwhelming his little patch of sidewalk. It’s kinda funny to watch him try to hold his ground.
One moment stuck with me: the way Gaston Glass, as one of the troupe members, just *grins* at David after a particularly disruptive bit of dancing. It’s not mean-spirited, just this utterly confident, almost cheeky smile. You know they're not going anywhere.
And the balloons, bless them. They’re a bit… sparse? Like, David has a few, but not this huge, vibrant bouquet you'd expect. It gives his ambition this slightly desperate, underdog feel. You almost want to buy one just to help him out. 🤏
The dance numbers, when they happen, are charming. Not flashy, but full of enthusiasm. The whole troupe feels like a family, even if they’re a bit chaotic. You can practically *feel* the cobblestones under their feet. Well, in a sound stage sort of way.
There's a scene where David accidentally tangles his balloons with one of their props. The ensuing mess feels completely unscripted, almost like they just let the actors figure it out. It’s a nice, messy touch.
The plot about the scholarship, it's there. It's the engine, but it doesn't always *feel* urgent. It kinda floats in and out, much like a loose balloon. The real fun is in the back-and-forth between these two groups.
You get these little glances between David and Anita’s character. At first, it's annoyance, then maybe a grudging respect. It's never heavy-handed, which is nice. Just a slow thaw. 🧊
And the supporting players! Torben Meyer, in particular, has this wonderfully expressive face. He doesn’t say much, but his reactions to the street shenanigans are gold. He’s often just there, in the background, witnessing the madness. A silent observer, if you will.
Sometimes the film slows down a touch too much. You wonder if David is ever going to actually *do* something concrete about his scholarship, or just keep getting outmaneuvered. But then another little spat breaks out, or a new dance routine, and you’re back in it.
The climax, if you can call it that, involves a bit of cooperation. It’s predictable, sure, but in a comforting way. Like a warm cup of tea. You know what you’re getting, and it’s pleasant.
It’s not a film that will change your life, or even your afternoon significantly. But it’s a nice, gentle escape. A glimpse into a simpler kind of movie-making, where the biggest conflict is over a sidewalk spot. 😌
IMDb —
1921
Community
Log in to comment.
