Good Bye Lenin!
2003, Wolfgang Becker, Germany
| Director: Wolfgang Becker Producer: Stefan Arndt Screenplay: Bernd Lichtenberg Cinematography: Martin Kukula Editor: Peter R Adam Music: Yann Tiersen | Daniel Brühl (Alexander Kerner) Katrin Sass (Christiane Kerner) Maria Simon (Ariane Kerner) Chulpan Khamatova (Lara) Florian Lukas (Denis) Alexander Beyer (Rainer) |
Rating: M Violence & Offensive language Runtime: 121 minutes
Good Bye, Lenin! is a crowd pleasing comedy, a charming and nostalgic exploration of East Germany and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
There is a touch of farce to the premise: Christiane, mother to young East Berliner Alex, is a true believer in socialism and the German Democratic Republic. She falls into a coma in late 1989, and when she wakes up eight months later, the world has changed, but on doctors’ orders to protect her weak heart from shocks, Alex needs to maintain the illusion that the Wall hasn’t fallen and that things in the GDR are ticking along as usual.
Amidst the challenges of fabricating a fake reality, Alex navigates his own coming of age within this important time of change for his country. The film is elevated by stellar performances, capturing the intricacies of familial bonds and the struggle to shield loved ones from harsh realities.
The film reflects the complexities of adapting to rapid political change while exploring the lengths people go to preserve cherished memories and protect their loved ones. It presents alternative perspectives on the fall of the Wall within East Germany, blending comedy and poignant reflection on a significant period in history.
“It is not a step-by-step chronicle of German reunification, but it gives a perspective of the time. It’s a bonus that this comes as part of an engrossing and well told story.” – James Berardinelli, ReelViews
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