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Poster for The Elementary Particles

The Elementary Particles

Seen it?

2006 | 105 min | Drama, Romance

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. If you loved The Fault in Our Stars or Doctor Zhivago, start here.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 45 min.
What might put you off
It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).

Based on Michel Houellebecq's controversial novel, Atomised (aka The Elementary Particles) focuses on Michael and Bruno, two very different half-brothers and their disturbed sexuality. After a chaotic childhood with a hippie mother only caring for her affairs, Michael, a molecular biologist, is more interested in genes than women, while Bruno is obsessed with his sexual desires, but mostly finds his satisfaction with prostitutes. But Bruno's life changes when he gets to know the experienced Christiane. In the meantime, Michael meets Annabelle, the love of his youth, again.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.2 out of 10

  • AwardsWeak

    0 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals

  • Reach & staying powerWeak

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    Not enough engagement data yet

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Oskar Roehler

  • Christian UlmenMichael Djerzinski
  • Moritz BleibtreuBruno Klement
  • Martina GedeckChristiane
  • Franka PotenteAnnabelle
  • Nina HossJane
  • Corinna HarfouchDr. Schäfer
  • Uwe OchsenknechtBruno's Father
  • Jasmin TabatabaiYogini
  • Tom SchillingMichael (young)
  • Thomas DrechselBruno (young)