Rubinrot (2013)

Let me start of by saying, if you like Mortal Instruments stop reading now and go watch this movie. It is essentially the same plot. A girl finds out she is different, meets boy who is different, he is a kind of "bad boy with a dark past", they clash at first, have to save the world together, etc.

I liked Mortal Instruments (for the most part), and liked this as well. There are some differences between the two, obviously. One main difference, time travel.

Basically, the main character is a kind of an outcast. She has a friend, but is not seen as popular. She is a different, moody/artist type (like Clary). She is seen as average, until she finds she has inherited powers from her parents (also like Clary).

There are some differences here: not everyone in the family gets the trait, it is a rare genetic thing that is passed down. Everyone thought her cousin would have it and she wouldn't. She knew she might get it, and didn't want it.

When Gwendolyn, the main female lead, finds out she can travel through time (or rather is pulled into the past), she is not particularly happy about it. She brings her friend into the loop, even though she isn't supposed to. (Like Clary with Simon).

I don't really like Gwendolyn's character. I can sympathize with her some, but don't really like her. She is a clutz (something we have in common), but it seems really over the top in this movie. She will just be standing then suddenly it is like she has a spazz attack and her bag and everything in it go everywhere. She also has a crush on her cousin's boyfriend. And she gets upset when he says he isn't interested in her, even though he is dating someone else. And there is a point where the cousin mentions that the male lead, Gideon, doesn't really have anyone else other than her, Charlotte. Yet, that doesn't stop Gwen from flirting with him and asking him out. I mean, Charlotte is not a nice character, but she isn't bad either. She is rude to Gwen, but it isn't like Gwen is really nice to her. And Charlotte says she wants nothing more than to be able to time travel and be with Gideon. So it makes sense she would be upset when she feels Gwen has taken "her gift". Then, she takes tries to take her boyfriend as well. I mean, I'm not saying Gwen should give up, but couldn't she have waited before trying to step in on their relationship?

I think part of it is also that aside from some insight at the beginning, we aren't shown very much about her character. And since the romance between her and HER COUSIN'S boyfriend takes up so much screen time it makes her somewhat unlikable. (I will note that this movie is based on a the first book of a trilogy, and in the book he isn't her cousin's boyfriend. They are just friends.)

Gideon's character is alright. I'd like to have found out more about all of the character's backstories.

I think that this movie focused more on the relationship than the action. Which, came up some in Mortal Instruments as well. However, Mortal Instruments did a lot more as far as character development is concerned.

Still, I liked it.

One thing I should probably note, or rather two things, the movie is in English. But it was not originally. The movie is German, however it has been dubbed in English (meaning that the original sound and talking was stripped and voice actors were paid to talk over the parts so that it can be watched as if it was in English). But, it isn't really noticeable.

The sequel to this movie as announced to come out in August 2014--Saphirblau--however because it is in German. It might take awhile before it is available with subtitles or dubbing.

I would, and have recommended this movie to people who like Mortal Instruments.