Wolfgang Becker remarks about this work in his director's notes that, "It's a slice of German history, but it's told incidentally and not placed in the forefront of the story." This film presents us with a close account of a family's experiences during one of the most important events in world history. The event itself seems like a backdrop in a story that engages the viewer with real life issues of love, care and friendship during this life changing moment. The comedic approach to the issues dealt with gives a relaxed tone, never delving into the nitty-gritty of the political conflict that we encounter.
Set in Berlin in 1990, the year of German reunification, and a year after the Wall fell, Alex and Ariane Kerner struggle to care for their mother as she recovers from a heart attack. The political landscape of the time divided people in their quests to develop their nation in different ways. Becker notes about having this historical moment of East Germany and reunification that he "was excited by the idea of combining both aspects and relating an important chapter of German history as well, or at least having it as a background." The issues of fantasy and reality also play a role in finding an identity in their lives, during a time where their own country is constructing a new image and identity itself. We question the implications of the German reunification. Is it the cause of joy or anguish? How do people reconcile the two nations as one and will it work? There are no definite answers, as we see, only reworking of lives, some may be for better and some may be for worse. It's not a film that gives us a whole account of this difficult and fascinating period but it's one poignant with dealing with the human condition in a state of change.
Division
"On August 26, 1978, we were world-class. East German citizen Sigmund Jaehn was the first German in space. On that day, things in our family started going seriously downhill."These are the opening words we hear from the protagonist, Alexander Kerner, in the film's prologue. It marks just one important moment of many that we encounter in his young life. It's the day that his hero, 'cosmonaut' Sigmund Jaehn, flies into space with a Soviet crew but also when his mother realizes that her husband has left them, fleeing to the West. This moment is worth to note as it shows that the political and real divide between the two Germanys had a direct impact in their lives, splitting their family but also providing an idea that helped them cope during their ordeals as their mother, Christiane, became an active member of the Socialist party and young Alex an avid space enthusiast.
As Alex grows up his faith in his country diminishes, feeling restrained by its leaders and constrictions. His mother however remains determined that it's the best way. Alex starts to take part in peaceful marches against the government. During one march he is arrested in an event that his mother witnesses leading her to suffer a heart attack which leaves her in a coma for 8 months. Over this period the face of their nation changes as the reunification process begins with the fall of the Berlin Wall. When Christiane awakes Alex is left with the task in hiding this new Germany from her as it's thought to benefit her health. The world that he creates is one that many may have hoped for, comparable to his mother's efforts with the socialist party, her son finds himself obsessed in his tasks, this time in order save another tragedy from happening. Becker remarked about Alex that "he moves in a different direction, namely backwards, to rebuild what everyone else is merrily leaving behind."
Yann Tiersen - Summer 78
Fantasy/Reality
On the subject of fantasy and reality it could be remarked that the continuous and often comedic lengths that Alex goes to protect his mother are in actuality a way for him to escape his own reality, by taking care of his mother he forgets his troubles and finds comfort in creating this fantasy world. Bernd Lichtenberg noted about the political change of the people in this era that "The real existing socialism did not materialize, but the idea lived on. That is maybe simple but also very strong." Through Alex's efforts he brings together his mothers friends who have been deeply affected by the change and loss of their old society and culture, the idea lives on through them. Another touching moment is when Alex and Ariane find out that their father never ran away but was actually waiting for his family to come to him across the border with their mother deciding to stay. The reality comes to light when Alex finally meets his father and the image of him he once had vanishes away. All the time he thought he was abandoned it was actually his mother who chose to keep them from contact with him. The lies they were told eventually revealed the reality that it was their mother who abandoned their needs for a father. |
| Alex and Lara (Daniel Bruehl and Chulpan Khamatova) |
History
What we're left with after watching this film a strong connection to humankind. It touches us with the way this family has gone through this challenging time. Probably the most important thing about this film is that it shows the effects of the changes without ever taking sides, never saying who was wrong or who was right, which Germany was better and which was worse but rather giving us an account of human experience during this time. I believe after 10 years, and even longer than this, this film will be held to count as a true recollection of human struggle that history books can ever hope to express.
If you're interesting in either watching or re-watching this great movie you may find it here on youtube: Good Bye, Lenin!.
