Eastern delight

With the fall of the Berlin Wall far enough back in history to be revisited safely, Goodbye, Lenin! charts the fall of Socialism in East Germany and the resulting reunification of east and west.

Following the story of Alex and his mother Christiane, Goodbye, Lenin! is a wonderful evocation of an unknown way of life, neither sentimental or judgemental in its recollection of a time gone by. Although not raucously funny - it is a German film, after all - it does have a comic side that teased award-winning performances out of its stars. The theme of deception as an act of love dictates throughout and as Alex starts to assume the characteristics he despises in the socialist administration - media manipulation, coercion and blind faith - the story assumes a poignancy that preserves the viewer's affection for all involved.

For those familiar with Fellini's La Dolce Vite, the airlifting of the statue of Lenin is a delicious recreation of the Italian's famous opening: here, in the absence of an exponent of socialism, capitalism starts to take a hold.

Director Wolfgang Becker commented: "I would never have dreamt this film would touch a nerve the way it has. You don't have to know about German history to understand it. A son who loves his mother - it's a story you find everywhere." The film's success is a sure indication that it is a familiar story, making it one that is well worth consideration for a thoughtful evening's entertainment.