Westler

Westler, originally made for German television is a simple love story between Felix (Sigurd Rachman) and Thomas (Rainer Strecker) who are divided by the Berlin Wall. It isn’t perfect but nonetheless it is a pleasure to watch. The opening scenes set in America and later on in East Berlin are a little overlong, but this is easily forgivable. There is some needless singing by Thomas of 'Southern Star' by Vicky Leandros, as well as some inevitable awkward indoor dancing by the couple to a record by Nina Hagen. It is historically and visually interesting and for the casual viewer creates a feeling of nostalgia for the 1980s, from the brown hues of the decor to the chunky jumpers and bad hairdos as well as phrases such as 'plastic fantastic' used by Felix’s flatmate; although obviously it would be a different matter if you were literally separated from a loved one because you came from the wrong side of the wall. The scenes in the club are cool, as is Zazie de Paris (playing nightclub singer Zazi de Paris) – her introduction to West of the Wall begins “Our next song takes place in a discotheque at the end of the century, similar to the Titanic in its last hour. The machines grind, the lights wander, and people scream, but no one is going to rescue them.” I would also like to find out more about her backing band credited as Die Waltons, were they a real group or put together for the film? For some Westler might be too slow or not prurient enough, but for me the mood of it is just about right, and the open ended conclusion is yet another positive thing in its favour - plastic fantastic indeed.

Yeah, I understand why some people won't like this. It's not the kind of glossy, high action, high production thing that audiences are used to these days. Bear in mind, however, this was originally made for West German TV in the mid 80s! For me, though, this film had a lot of charm and it was fascinating to see life on the other side of the Berlin Wall just 3 or 4 years before its fall. It shows a society bursting at the seams for freedom but Westler isn't about political revolution, it's about personal freedoms desperate to break through. It's a subtly told tale under the backdrop of a dramatic, historical time. I loved the grainy old quality of film - it really took me back to the 80s and being young (and in a long distance relationship!). As for the relationship itself, I found Felix and Thomas to be totally believable. That's where its charm came from - the shyness, awkwardness, romance, pining for each other, the things they do together, fear and defiance of oppression etc. When the film ended, I didn't want to leave their journey. That's just my opinion - why not give it a go yourself?

I miss read the title when ordering this DVD, thought it said Wrestler! so you can imagine how confussing it was when I watched it (no I'm not dyslexic!).

Anyway once I realised my mistake I watched it again & it's acutally a good little film. Not to everyones taste I am sure, but there is a great feeling of nostalgia with some great acting from Rainer Strecker.

I probably wouldn't re-order this film, but I was glad I got to watch it.

Good movie but not exceptional. Would have prefered more from what I read in the reviews. I don't necessarily want to write twenty words

An enjoyable film but more an historic reminder of what was life 25 years ago in parts of Europe and the repression that was rampant at the time, and before the full spectre of HIV had fully registered. Some great shots of the former East Berlin, hopefully never to be seen again.