Forgiveness and Reconciliation in Wim Wenders’ Everything will be Fine

Abstract

The viewer is drenched in what it feels like to have a stalker know where you live, your habits, your family and friends. This story is ultimately an antidote to that sort of stalker anguish. Instead of the anguished blood-satisfaction of revenge, the filmmaker shows how heartfelt and fearless reconciliation bring forgiveness and healing in place of revenge. It would have been justice for Christopher to kill Tomas for killing his brother, but Christianity as a religion tells us to forgive and reconcile in place of revenge, and therein lies the redemption and healing in life which becomes greater than revenge. As Tomas walks out with him, they look at each other a long time. At last, Tomas embraces Christopher, who hesitates then hugs him back. Both are finally smiling as they go their separate ways. Derrida’s injunction to forgive the unforgiveable and move into a Derridean third space of thinking the impossible forgiveness of sins and holding one accountable to the death penalty for transgressions committed is an extension of his meditations on hospitality and forgiveness, extending Christian charity, forgiveness and hospitality as a move .that exceeds the law and exceeds the thinking of the possible.