Irgendwo in Berlin

Like "The Murderers are among us", "Somewhere in Berlin" is filmed in the ruins of that city in 1945/46. It's part of a group of films Germans call, Trümmerfilme: Debris films.

Whilst appreciating that conditions in Germany at that time were appalling - nevertheless, Somewhere in Berlin could have been a better film.

The idea of the community of street children had been seen before in "Emil and the Detectives". "Somewhere..." attempts to recapture this spirit. But it doesn't work. This film is too disjointed, has no core and doesn't highlight, well - anything.

Sure - the boys have their moments, a veteran wanders in, and mothers (who are dressed surprisingly well, and operate in surprisingly good conditions) go earnestly about their business. But really - the story that is trying to be threaded around them all is weak and purposeless. The characters lack interest and focus.

The saving features are the sometimes very good stationary camera shots, and the background ruins. But that's all.

"Somewhere in Berlin" was made on zero budget, that's very clear. But considering the general situation, the possibilities offered by the unique setting, and the blank canvas offered by a "new start", more could have done.