Wings of Desire (1987)

Last updated:
September 4, 2025

Wings of Desire (original title: Der Himmel über Berlin) is a philosophical, deeply poetic film directed by Wim Wenders. More than just a love story, it is a meditation on existence, perception, and the longing to feel truly human. The movie has become a cornerstone of European cinema and an essential watch for cinephiles.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Introduction: Angels Among Us

Set in divided Berlin before the fall of the Wall, the story follows two angels, Damiel (Bruno Ganz) and Cassiel (Otto Sander). These angels silently observe humans, hearing their innermost thoughts and emotions. They cannot interfere, but they can comfort in moments of pain. Berlin, with its history and melancholy atmosphere, becomes a canvas for their silent watch.

Damiel’s Longing for Humanity

While Cassiel is content to observe, Damiel grows restless. He begins to envy the humans he watches—he wants to feel weight, taste, warmth, and love. His attention is drawn to Marion (Solveig Dommartin), a lonely trapeze artist whose poetic inner monologues reveal her yearning for connection.

Meeting the Human Side Through Peter Falk

The film takes a surreal turn with the arrival of actor Peter Falk (playing himself). Falk can sense the angels’ presence and reveals through his monologues that he, too, was once an angel who chose to become human. This revelation solidifies Damiel’s desire: he wants to fall, to abandon eternity for the immediacy of human experience.

Cassiel’s Despair

Cassiel, on the other hand, watches a man commit suicide and is overwhelmed by his inability to intervene. His perspective reflects the angel’s eternal helplessness—witnessing suffering without ever being able to prevent it.

Movie Ending

Damiel makes the ultimate decision: he gives up immortality and descends into the human world. He wakes up in Berlin, no longer invisible, but with a new body, new senses, and a new vulnerability.

For the first time, he bleeds when he’s injured. He tastes food and feels the cold of the air. These simple, earthly experiences—so ordinary for humans—are revelations for him.

In the final act, Damiel seeks out Marion at a nightclub where she is dancing. She recognizes him as the presence she has always felt watching her. In a deeply moving and tender scene, they finally meet, touch, and share words of love and belonging.

The film closes with Cassiel still in the angelic realm, observing his friend’s choice. The movie ends not with a grand spectacle but with the quiet triumph of Damiel’s decision to embrace humanity, love, and mortality.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Wings of Desire does not feature any post-credits scenes. The ending itself serves as the film’s emotional resolution, and the credits simply allow the audience to reflect on what they have witnessed.

Type of Movie

Wings of Desire is best described as a romantic fantasy drama. It is a poetic blend of philosophical reflection and romantic yearning, layered with existential themes and framed within a metaphysical narrative.

Cast

Bruno Ganz as Damiel
Otto Sander as Cassiel
Solveig Dommartin as Marion
Peter Falk as Himself
Curt Bois as Homer

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Jürgen Knieper, whose ethereal music adds to the film’s haunting quality. The movie also features songs by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, who appear performing in one of the nightclub sequences, lending the film an edgy Berlin counterculture vibe.

Filming Locations

The film was shot in West Berlin, just before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Many iconic locations feature prominently, such as:

The Berlin Wall itself, symbolizing division and longing.
The Berlin State Library, where angels listen to the thoughts of readers.
The city streets, shown both in black-and-white (angel’s perspective) and in color (human perspective), emphasizing the divide between the spiritual and physical.

The locations are not just backdrops—they’re integral to the film’s meditations on separation, history, and identity.

Awards and Nominations

Cannes Film Festival 1987: Best Director Award for Wim Wenders.
European Film Awards: Won Best Film.
The film was widely acclaimed and became a cultural milestone in international cinema.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Wim Wenders conceived the film as a “poem for Berlin,” inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke’s poetry.
Solveig Dommartin, who played Marion, performed all her trapeze stunts herself without a double.
Peter Falk improvised much of his dialogue, adding a natural and unexpected warmth to the film.
The decision to shoot angelic scenes in black-and-white and human experiences in color was central to the film’s artistic impact.

Inspirations and References

The film was heavily inspired by Rilke’s Duino Elegies, exploring themes of angels, longing, and transcendence. It also reflects Wenders’ own experience of living in Berlin, divided by the Wall, and his desire to capture its unique spirit.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While the theatrical ending was always intended, Wenders shot additional contemplative sequences with the angels that did not make the final cut. These were later released in special editions but did not significantly change the storyline.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie is not directly based on a book but inspired by literature (particularly Rilke). A novelization of the film was later published, expanding on the angels’ inner worlds but closely following the film’s events.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Angels listening to the thoughts of people in the library.
Cassiel’s despair after watching a suicide.
Damiel’s first taste of human life after becoming mortal.
The nightclub scene where Damiel and Marion finally meet.

Iconic Quotes

“When the child was a child, it walked with its arms swinging.”
“Time heals all. But what if time itself is the disease?”
“Now I know what no angel knows.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Peter Falk’s character is a meta-reference: his own career as “Columbo” makes him a familiar face of humanity.
The childlike poem recited by the angels reflects Rilke’s influence directly.
The contrast of black-and-white vs. color subtly echoes The Wizard of Oz in its symbolic use of cinematic technique.

Trivia

The film was followed by a sequel, Faraway, So Close! (1993).
The American remake is City of Angels (1998), starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan.
Curt Bois, who plays Homer, was one of Germany’s oldest active actors at the time of filming.

Why Watch?

Because it’s not just a movie—it’s an experience. If you want a film that makes you think about life, love, mortality, and the beauty of small human moments, this is essential. Its imagery and poetic storytelling are timeless.

Wings of Desire (1987)