Goodbye Lenin! Reviews

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.

Wunderbar

Now this is a movie. Original, comic and moving. This was the best film of 1993. Based during the backdrop of the fall of the Berlin wall, this is a film with something to say, and it says it with warmth and wit. The premise itself is wonderfully simple and complex: a son attempts to keep the harsh reality of history from his post-coma mother, through more and more ingenious and funny endeavours.

Not for viewers who dislike subtitles, but certainly for those who want something different.

Brilliant

German Comedy?

Sounds like a contradiction in terms, but this is one of the funniest most intelligent films I've seen all year. These guys are stars in the making.

I beg you: WATCH THIS FILM!!!

This film is brilliant! set against the falling berlin wall in an atmosphere of both jubilation and bitterness, the film covers life and death, both human and ideological, love, both sexual and familial, hope and despair. And get this! its a brilliant comedy at the same time! At not one point during the 2 hours did i think that this film was not one of the best things i have seen in years. The handling of the situation in berlin is exquisite and realistic. Thoroughly outstanding.

Sweet and Beautiful

An amazing, sweet and beautiful film. Though nothing alike, the story sometimes reminded me of the Truman Show, in the way that people around a central character had to fabricate a world around them. This far surpassed any expectations I had and think everybody should seek this out, even if they don't normally watch subtitled films!

Boring

One idea is not enough to keep this film going - boring and repetitive.

Nice music, sweet ending.

Brilliant, touching, engaging and humourous.

Goodybe Lenin is a must-see film and worth venturing off the well-trod Hollywood path to see.

The film deals engagingly with the subject of East/West reunification and makes some valid and thought-provoking points about Communist life versus Western capitalism. It makes all these points, however,in the context of an engaging gentle comedy drama with many funny and poignant moments.

Films come and go, but this one will stay with you for a while. Put aside any doubts you may have about the subject matter or the fact that this film is in German. It is touching, moving and thoroughly enjoyable. Can't recommend it enough.

Do I really want to wake up????

An excellent film following the dilemma of a son and daughter caring for their mother who wakes up after a coma. The challenge is that she fell into the coma pre the Berlin Wall coming down and awakes in post communist East Germany. Well how do you deal with that one over night??? This story follows the families inventive ways at making their mother think she is still in communist Berlin. The story is both humerous and has its sad points. A one to watch, 5 stars from me.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Sweet but not sentimental.

This is a sweet film but not at all in a sickly way. Set in East Berlin at the time of the fall of the wall it shows a young man's struggles to protect his sick mother from knowing the truth which might kill her. But it is not a "secret from the past" kind of plot but concerned very much with the present. It is a tribute to the direction that an almost unlikely plot succeeds so well.

As I say, it left me feeling "What a sweet film!" but not in a sentimental way, just life-affirming.

Thoroughly well-made, characterised and acted; thoroughly recommended.

Funny German film Shocker!

This film is an excellent and heart felt comedy. Its not slapstick or farce as the trailer may suggest but a witty look at family and what they would do to protect one another.

The film is set during the clapse of the Berlin Wall and the political upheaval that surrounded it. A women falls into a coma before the wall falls and wakes up afterwards. Her son fears that the shock of seeing the wall gone may kill her so he pretends that they are still under East German rule.

I recommend this film to anyone who likes good comedy and does not mind sub-titles. If its similar to anything its Amalie but a lot more gritty. V. good.