75
The film binds its narrative to fascinating explorations of national identity, sexuality, and, of course, food.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
40
The Hollywood Reporter by Boyd van Hoeij
Graizer too often seems afraid to potentially offend anyone (but especially straight audiences along for the ride) and too polite to explore the darker recesses of grief, desire and sexuality.
88
RogerEbert.com by Godfrey Cheshire
Watching it, the film’s intelligent, well-crafted story and beautifully drawn characters seem to suggest literary roots.
80
Tracing with exemplary sensitivity the unlikely bond formed between a gay German baker and the Jerusalem-based widow of the man they both loved, Graizer’s film works a complex range of social and religious tensions into its heartsore narrative, without ever feeling sanctimonious or button-pushing.
80
The New York Times by Jeannette Catsoulis
Sad and sweet, and with a rare lyricism, The Cakemaker believes in a love that neither nationality, sexual orientation nor religious belief can deter.
80
Village Voice by Jordan Hoffman
The Cakemaker is more of a petit four than a belly bomb, but it’s striking in its particularity.
80
Los Angeles Times by Kenneth Turan
Culturally specific to its joint Berlin/Jerusalem setting but with themes that are universal, it joins an exploration of sexual fluidity and the nature of love and relationships with a strong plot that keeps you involved and guessing until the very end.
80
Screen International by Sarah Ward
Though the script rarely makes an unexpected choice, it’s the way that the film dissects its many underlying complications that matters more than eschewing predictability. Calmly, but filled with feeling, Graizer lets his protagonists’ actions and choices subvert the norm.
75
San Francisco Chronicle by Walter Addiego
Graizer takes his time and never feels the need to spell everything out, and The Cakemaker is a testament to what filmmakers can achieve when they trust the audience.