I read the book first. As mentioned several times below, the film is unable to provide much depth to several key characters (the mother especially), and avoids mention of several, ultimately failed, attempts at rehabilitation. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this film. The acting is quite incredible given that these were basically amateurs. In addition, the use of music, the locations and the special effects (I hope they were special effects!) are all done quite well. I've visited Berlin twice, and the movie excellently captures the flavor of this immense, intimidating city.
While I understand how the time limitations of a movie restrict the depth of the screenplay, I also believe the ending could have been handled better. The recuperation period in the country provides, in the book, a much broader understanding of the power of addiction, and of the mindset that much take root to defeat it. Ten or fifteen additional minutes of screen time could have greatly expanded the film's scope.
While I understand how the time limitations of a movie restrict the depth of the screenplay, I also believe the ending could have been handled better. The recuperation period in the country provides, in the book, a much broader understanding of the power of addiction, and of the mindset that much take root to defeat it. Ten or fifteen additional minutes of screen time could have greatly expanded the film's scope.