The iron curtain, the Berlin wall, the Stasi and life in the DDR; they are the main issues in this documentary, which are captured in five chronological chapters, starting shortly after the World War II and ending shortly after the fall of the DDR. In addition, there are several personal stories intertwined with it - and the interviews with the ones involved have (of course) been filmed much more recently.
There is a mother who yearns for the old DDR, in contrast to a mother whose son was killed trying to escape the DDR (he turned out to be the last one killed trying to escape). Then there are two former friends, one of whom turned out to be a willing spy for the Stasi who betrayed his friend. There is a Jew who decided to go back after the war to try and help build up the nation again, as opposed to a man who escaped the DDR and later helped freeing many other citizens. -Plus more-
The combination of chronological history and personal stories make for an impressive and gripping documentary. At a few moments it plays to the gallery, but those parts are quite short, and one could argue they have their rightful place. With atmospheric music from Godspeed You Black Emperor, music that works really well here - maybe I should try another one of their records sometime.
8 out of 10.
There is a mother who yearns for the old DDR, in contrast to a mother whose son was killed trying to escape the DDR (he turned out to be the last one killed trying to escape). Then there are two former friends, one of whom turned out to be a willing spy for the Stasi who betrayed his friend. There is a Jew who decided to go back after the war to try and help build up the nation again, as opposed to a man who escaped the DDR and later helped freeing many other citizens. -Plus more-
The combination of chronological history and personal stories make for an impressive and gripping documentary. At a few moments it plays to the gallery, but those parts are quite short, and one could argue they have their rightful place. With atmospheric music from Godspeed You Black Emperor, music that works really well here - maybe I should try another one of their records sometime.
8 out of 10.
