This DEFA/West German coproduction about a daring bank robber was a huge hit on both side of the German border. It’s based on an actual bank robbery…… Read more “The Break-In”
Category: Nachwuchsgeneration
Seitensprung
While I normally use the English language title for my heading, I’ve decided to go with the German title on this one. There are a number of…… Read more “Seitensprung”
The Teleplays of Christa Kulosa
A popular format on East German TV was the teleplay. These were videotaped on stage in front of a live audience. In America, you’ll see this most…… Read more “The Teleplays of Christa Kulosa”
The Arctic Sea Calls
In case you ever wondered what the Little Rascals (Our Gang) would look like as an East German concept, The Arctic Sea Calls (Das Eismeer ruft) answers…… Read more “The Arctic Sea Calls”
Jana and Jan
With the notable exception of horror movies, the East German film industry (that is to say, DEFA) made films of nearly every genre from westerns to science…… Read more “Jana and Jan”
The Land Beyond the Rainbow
After the Wall came down and West Germany, for all intents and purposes, took over East Germany, there came the inevitable retrospection. What the hell happened? How…… Read more “The Land Beyond the Rainbow”
Herzsprung
When the Berlin Wall finally came down, East Germans danced for joy in the streets. No more Stasi, no more food shortages, no more travel restrictions, and…… Read more “Herzsprung”
Ete and Ali
Ete and Ali (Ete und Ali) is essentially a road movie, with one important difference: no one actually goes anywhere. The film follows the misadventures of the…… Read more “Ete and Ali”
Driving School
Q: Why were there no bank robberies in East Germany? A: Because you had to wait twelve years for the getaway car. So goes the joke, poking…… Read more “Driving School”
