Für immer jung

When this film was repeated on German TV in fall 1998 I had the experience of a major discovery. There aren't many films showing the necessary sacrifice of dreams by adults - and the confrontation of these adults with their abandoned youthful dreams - in such a convincing manner. The film seems perfectly realistic and natural in spite of its taut construction. A special blessing is the absence of political "teaching" in the style of the New German Film. A few moments are perhaps too melodramatic. The actors are no less superb than the book. There is no role that could be singled out for its eminence. Instead there are about 10 characters of equal importance. I saw the film as a fan of Barbara Rudnik and she certainly performs well but I am ready to admit that Heinrich Schafmeister, who also has some truly comic scenes, does the best job.

I really thoroughly enjoyed this film shown on 3sat the other night and was particularly into the music -- seems there's no soundtrack available/on sale. Mostly golden oldies from "One's" youth ... any ideas anyone? Mail me, post it here --- whatever .... Would love to talk more about it (would I really?? just want the MUSIC!!!) Went a bit over into the soppy in parts, also Demirkan's Susanne was rather excessively full of righteous indignation... Also can't quite work out this Helmut Berger II business: is he the son of THE Helmut B.? Looks just like him, non?

When I saw the film the first time on TV I was stunned. It's the most intensive film about lost dreams and ideals that I've ever seen.