Verschwende deine Jugend

Great music, very funny story, wonderful actors. A young so called manager (Tom Schilling) wants to get more success for his band "Apollo Schwabing" (Stadlober and the very pretty Jessica Schwarz), so he organizes a huge festival with "D.A.F." as headliner. The problem is, that the band "D.A.F." don't know anything about that... If you raised in the early 80's in Austria or Germany like me, the film is a great reminiscence to that time. The music (D.A.F., Human League, XTC and the songs written in typical 80's NDW style for the fictional band Apollo Schwabing), the fashion, the youth cultures (punks, new wavers, "ökos") and even the TV spots, its all so authentic ! But even younger people could like this film, because the best is the very funny story and the real great camera. Have fun !

I have only seen a little more than a third of this, but it was enough to change my mind about the movie. I never thought Jessica "touchy-feely" Schwarz could get away with the rock chic thing, but to my surprise, she sort of does. Okay, so she won't quit her day job and be a punk rocker any time soon, but it's a start. She may be no Pink, but she's a blonde for a change, and it suits her. Although her hair is poorly cut and her sleeveless black vinyl stage outfit is open to debate, she is completely believable as the lead singer's jealous girlfriend Melitta. She's acting angry when she feels she needs to, but really her character couldn't care less about capitalism, communism, or any other schism. It's not a small accomplishment for her, as an actress, to make us understand that Melitta is about the romance, not the riot. She really isn't so much unlike the band manager's shy girlfriend, Lena. Played by Nadja Bobyleva, Lena isn't too hard to look at either. Works for me.

Though I was just 14 when the eighties were over, I feel somehow linked to that unique decade. So, this film may have a certain bonus for me as it is situated in the early eighties. Nevertheless, it is a heart-warming, very funny and yet credible picture. Unlike other 80ies movies the typical cliches do not seem too exaggerated or unfitting. This movie could equally be done in the Eighties. On the other hand, in that case it would be lacking gorgeous Jessica Schwartz...

this film is a must... for them who have been young in the 80s and those who have not been born yet or too young to remember! great music and a nice and almost real story :-) a lot of great atmosphere !

not another storyless hollywood film ! a great film from europe !

especially the actors did a great job !

First I was not very much convinced of seeing a great movie - I expected simple jokes, usual clichés of the 80s, average performance - BUT: I got great humor, a lovable picture of the 80s which is not exaggerated and very convincing actors in marvellous roles - YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS FILM ! Don't miss the "verrückter Schaum"-Joke ;o)