Rest In Peace, Bruno Ganz. He played an angel ready for new experiences in Wim Wender’s 1987 film, Wings of Desire (Der Himmel uber Berlin). This film was a turning point for me, as it shows grace through presence, silence, movement, gesture and awareness. It taught me an undemanding spirituality, one that made sense to me. A poetic, lyrical, creative and musical spirituality that is alive.
The angel Bruno played, Damiel, spends time roaming Berlin, taking note of moments of behavior, which he shares with his fellow angel, Cassiel. They both take take action when needed, like placing a hand on a distressed person, creating peace. Children see them, adults do not.
Damiel falls in love with a woman, and chooses to become human. He falls to earth, and is thrilled to discover he is bleeding. He meets his love, Marion. As he has been in her presence, she intuitively knows his soul, and shared a beautiful monologue about coincidence and connection. Damiel just listens. Then they kiss.
This man was a fine actor. I have watched this film a dozen times. When playing the angel, he is full of loving calm. When playing the angels who is now human, he is full of joy and life, with everything happening for the first time.