Love amidst fear in WWII Berlin

This film succeeds on many fronts as it recreates the fear and terror of life in Berlin during 1942/3 as the allied bombings are intensified.

Jewish Felice (Schrader) is courageous and frightened working for a newspaper gathering information for the resistance to the Nazis, escaping during evenings with a group of fellow lesbians for a few hours of desperate enjoyment. Her life changes when she meets Lilly (Kohler).

The acting of Schrader and Kohler and the chemistry between them is extraordinary, as is the script. They reveal the true nature of a deep lesbian relationship, the love scenes and reconciliation scenes between them could only take place between two women, they would be impossible in a heterosexual relationship.

The frequently dark settings and beautifully photographed face of Schrader in deep shadow are essential elements.

In every way a deeply emotional experience amidst the futility of racial hatred and the suffering of war.