Venice Film Festival's Grand Finale:

In the world of cinema, a unique film has captured the hearts of many at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. "Silent Friend", a triptych movie directed by Hungarian filmmaker Ildikó Enyedi, tells the story of a century-old Ginkgo tree in the botanical garden of Marburg, Germany.

The film, whose German title is "Stille Freundin", portrays the Ginkgo tree as a distinctly female character, serving as a witness to the desires and dreams of three generations. The tree is central to the narrative, playing a pivotal role in each historical level.

One of these levels is set in the early 1970s, where an intriguing scene unfolds. A German student attempts to communicate with his colleague's geranium, teaching the flower to open the garden gate on command. This episode, filmed using the lush colors of the 16mm film format, adds a touch of whimsy to the film.

Fast forward to the present day, and we find Tony Leung, a Hong Kong actor known for his role in "In the Mood for Love", playing a neuroscientist researching the "language" of the Ginkgo tree during a pandemic.

The 1908 episode of "Silent Friend" features a young woman named Grete, played by German actress Luna Wedler. This part of the film was shot using 35mm film, a testament to the film's commitment to authenticity.

The film's climax comes with the inclusion of Blixa Bargeld's soulful music, and a surprising twist - the audience applauds when the names of all the plants are listed in the credits.

Ildikó Enyedi, the director of "Silent Friend", is no stranger to accolades. She is the best-known director in Hungary and won the Golden Bear at the Berlinale in 2017 for her film "Body and Soul". Her latest work creates a relationship dynamic in which humans and plants are closely related, a theme that shines throughout "Silent Friend".

Meanwhile, in a different realm, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stands out in the mixed martial arts biopic "The Smashing Machine". While "Silent Friend" and "The Smashing Machine" may seem worlds apart, both have captured the attention of audiences, each in their unique ways.

In "The Testament of Ann Lee", Amanda Seyfried shines, demonstrating her singing and dancing abilities as she portrays the founder of the "Shaker" sect in the 18th century. While not part of "Silent Friend", Seyfried's performance is a testament to the versatility of the actors gracing our screens today.

With such a strong lineup at the Venice Film Festival, including the likes of Guillermo del Toro, Noah Baumbach, Kathryn Bigelow, Jim Jarmusch, Giorgos Lanthimos, and films from Netflix, "Silent Friend" held its own, releasing its audience in complete enchantment.