Goodbye Lenin! (2003)

Ever felt like you’re stuck in the past? How about hiding something from a loved one? “Goodbye Lenin” Follows a young man Alex Kerner (Daniel Brühl) struggle to save his mothers life, or rather prevent her death, by concealing the fall of the Berlin Wall. Such a huge task is taken on naively but whole heartedly by a son that does not want to let his mother die especially by realising that the world she helped build for 10 years has collapsed. Resulting in some more than satisfactory comedy that is perfectly timed and maintains a sense of realism within the film.

As an individual that is completely illiterate in History and knew little about the separation of East and West Germany and the repercussions of the split, I feel that the Wolfgang Becker created and upheld a strong and interesting story line that was easy enough to follow and also offer an insightful view of how it must have been. Although there were a few references that were lost on me most of the plot was understandable and enjoyable.

The main plot of the film is surrounded by storylines that although added to the plot and created some excellent moments, I felt could have been dealt with in much more detail and depth. Alex’s love story with the nurse, Lara (Chulpan Khamatova) who was looking after his mother whilst she was in a coma, seems to me to only be an afterthought written to give Alex something to do other than looking after his mother and creating her fantasy of East Germany. Also Alex’s sister, Ariane, is a great character adding another view of what Alex is doing, creating a more rational view and pointing out the moral dilemmas and issues that they are creating. One of the characters that I felt added a fabulous comedic element to the film was Denis, an aspiring director who allowed Alex to uphold the illusion with some interesting news stories.

Overall I think “Goodbye Lenin” is an incredibly enjoyable film with a great idea behind it only lacking depth for some characters and bi-plots. The fact that this film is in German subtitles doesn’t detract from the film at all and if anything adds to the authenticity and involves the audience member.