The focus of the next session for the English-language KINO! FILM SALON online film club on November 17 will be Wolfgang Becker’s historic cult comedy GOOD BYE, LENIN!

The film started its international career at the International Competition of the Berlin International Film Festival in 2003 and was also the starting point of his career for lead actor Daniel Brühl, whose most recent performance in the mini-series BECOMING KARL LAGERFELD (available on Hulu and Disney+) reflects his outstanding talent.

German Films curator Jim Kolmar's personal comment: “Released in 2003, Wolfgang Becker’s GOOD BYE, LENIN! ushered in an exciting era for German cinema. Set in 1990, the story centres around Alex, a young man caring for his mother as she emerges from a long coma induced by a heart attack. However, the East Germany that she knew no longer exists, and Alex must protect her from another attack by maintaining the illusion that the Wall is still standing, and state Communism is alive and well. It’s an absurd, ingenious story told with great pathos and humour, with an endearingly frazzled lead performance by Daniel Brühl in his breakthrough role. GOOD BYE, LENIN! is a canny examination of every day politics at the tail end of the Cold War, but perhaps more importantly a touching depiction of family, friendship, and the enduring pursuit of support and community at a time when it’s most needed. It’s a gem, and deserves its reputation as one of the most iconic international films of the early 21st century.”

RSVP here.

Date and time: Sunday, November 17 at 11:00am – 12:00pm PT, 2:00pm – 3:00pm ET, 8:00pm – 9:00pm CET.
Hosted by Jim Kolmar

Trailer GOOD BYE, LENIN! here.

More films with Daniel Brühl are available here.

KINO! FILM SALON is a production of Telescope Film, in collaboration with the German Film Office.