There are not too many German prison movies. To be quite truthful I don't even remember a single one (there might be some, but apart from TV shows, I don't recall anything even close to this). And quite the great entry this one makes - I have seen many American movies that play inside prisons - but this seems a first.
Even if not, quality wise I doubt there is anything in the same ball (or prison) park for that matter. No pun intended of course. The movie is quite raw - yet it plays with expectations too. First time we get into a cell, we do expect something ... and yet we do get a bit of comedy relief ... things always have a bigger impact if there is some lightness to them too. Which will be true here too - not just situation wise but also character wise.
So while this is not the directors first feature (documentaries aside), this feels like back in the day when Fatih Akin came to the scene with "Kurz und schmerzlos". But it is as I can't stress out enough, not a copy or anything close to it. It is just a similar vibe I am getting here. Close to reality, not afraid to touch on social issues ... and be as brutal and honest as it has to be. A "new" distinguished voice is born in German cinema.
And while camera and technology has improved over the years, that does not take anything away from the phenomenal cinematography this has (and sound design may I add - the soundtrack is as fresh and in your fact as it can get - especially if you like rap music). I also try not to make the "for a German movie" distinction, but if you think in those categories, then you will also be positively surprised by the actors. Some things may feel a bit off here and there, but it only adds to the flair of authenticity! The movie may not have many "good" guys (morally speaking) but it plays in a world where this is a rarity anyway.
Unfortunately I did miss the premiere of the movie in cinemas (I would have loved to meet the makers and actors), but watching it on the big screen was well worth it. Let's see what the future holds for this involved - I see good things ahead.
