"The State I Am In" (2000 release from Germany; 106 min.; original title "Die innere Sicherheit", or "The Inner Certainty") brings the story of a couple and Jeanne, their 15 yr. old daughter. As the movie opens, we get to know them in Portugal, where as it turns out they are hiding, on the run from the law back in Germany. Jeanne makes the acquaintance of a boy she likes, much to the worry of her parents. Then one day, their apartment is robbed, and in the aftermath, the family goes on the run again, this time back to Germany as they are almost out of money and have nowhere else to go. To tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Couple of comments: first, this movie is written and directed by Christian Petzold, one of the premier movie directors from Europe in the last 15 years. Just a few years ago, he brought us that other excellent political and psychological drama "Barbara". Second, the tension in the movie is palpable from the get-go and it stays that way throughout the movie. Third, while the name is never mentioned in the movie, the director and others comment (n the DVD bonus materials) that the couple's past, never explained in the movie, relates to the Rote Armee Fraction (RAF), the terrorist group which violently fought again the (then West) German state in the 70s and early 80s. Fourth, the main character in the movie is the 15 yr. old girl, who has been tagging along with her parents her entire life, and now she is at the awkward stage where she is interested in boys and in leading a normal, both of which as seemingly impossible to attain. Julia Hummer as Jeanne is a true revelation, just outstanding.
Bottom line, "The State I Am In" is a top-notch psychological and family drama with some serious political undercurrents as well. I was glued to the screen from start to finish. If only Hollywood took a clue from this that you don't need to blow up the world in smithereens every five minutes to make a compelling, riveting movie. "The State I Am IN' is HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
