Berlin am Meer

It's a long time ago that I have seen a fun German feature like this. What a fresh and unspoiled cast ensemble who's talent and the lust to act is truly grabbing you. The story is simple but very authentic. The director Eißler realistically describes the situation of the 20something generation living in Berlin (as it could be every other major European city) torn between finding there way in life and simply just enjoy the advantage of the easy going big city lifestyle. In this aspect this film is like a documentary of this urban student situation. Very authentic the interaction of the characters. Definitely is Robert Stadlober the most obvious talent of the ensemble but he is by no means overruling the scene. In particular strong of talent the newcomer Claudius Franz. The soundtrack is a blast. The picture has an extraordinary true feature film look. Hard to believe that it has been a HD shot. the lensjob is the best coming from Germany in a long time. R. Wolf

BERLIN AM MEER is a highly enjoyable romance/drama with a lot of smart comedy parts in it. The cast is a very well functioning ensemble of fresh faces and young talents. Best known internationally is Robert Stadlober (as Tom) who started his big screen career with "Sonnenallee", which was quite a success in Germany. Up and coming is Jana Pallaske (as Margarete) , who will be seen in lead next to German super star Til Schweiger in "Phantomschmerz" and in two other Warner projects within the year. The newcomer is Claudius Franz (as Mitsch). Fresh out of film school he gives proof of his extraordinary talent in his first feature appearance. The film is about a group of twenty s.th. guys who's easy "student life" is turned up side down when the younger sister – Mavie (Anna Brüggemann) of their roommate Mitsch (Claudius Franz) is moving in. The film is music driven. With a blast soundtrack mix from those ultra hip local music groups like Jeans Team, 2Raumwohnung, Hund am Strand and famous Mia and Wir sind Helden. The film authentically shows the current life of this age group in a major European city. Living an easy life without obligations financed by some waiter jobs. Partying 'till they drop in the coolest clubs in town. Finally it is quite a heart wrenching romance. Listen to the voice over in the beginning and towards the ending. My favorite scene: the slowly cumulating party scene in Margaretes (Jana Pallaske) apt. Never seen a hilarious and authentic party like this in a movie.

I stumbled upon the film when I was visiting Berlin and a number of friends recommended it. What a privilege to see such a hip Berlin film in this amazing city. The movie felt authentic, full of wonderfully poignant observations, and I was by far not done befriending its characters when the film ended. I'm hoping for a sequel! The voice-over bookends worked so well and I kept thinking about "all stories are love stories" for the rest of the day. Clearly, as much as Berlin Am Meer reflects the city's "so Berlin" flair and temperament, I think the themes are universal and translate to anyplace. I was particularly impressed by Claudius Franz, as Mitsch, and of course the beautiful Jana Pallaske, as Margarete. This girl rocks! I loved the cool score and went to your MySpace page for more. Well done!

I am being transferred to Berlin this summer and know nothing about this city set aside WWII and JFK's pancake mishap. I watched this movie and Berlin Calling to get into the mood. Where Berlin Calling is just an arrangement of blaring music and no real story to connect with, I really enjoyed the visuals and the atmosphere of Berlin am Mer. I had to watch it in German as the movie is not available in English or with subtitles. I still enjoyed the music and I could get what it was about - the actors are that good and Tom has the cutest smile ever!

I hope the movie gets translated in English soon because I want to know what he says to the girl at the train station. Oh and did I mention that the main actor is hot!

I was prepared for a bad movie, and a bad movie it is, so I guess I shouldn't complain. Twentysomething Tom (gay poster boy Robert Stadlober) has so many issues he doesn't know if he's coming or going. I wouldn't have stayed but for the pretty girls: Serious Mavie (Anna Brüggemann); no-nonsense Angie (Emma Daubas); Sarah Baumann as the star of the movie within the movie. And then there's Tom's soul mate, wild-eyed Margarete (Jana Pallaske). She reminds me of Béatrice Dalle and Gina Gershon. If you've got to remember, these are fine memories. She looks good even in the most ridiculous outfits, and I mean ridiculous, even by Berlin standards. I wonder whether I'd have liked this movie when I was the characters' age. My guess is I wouldn't. Watch out for indie idols Oli Schulz and Max Schröder of "Der Hund Marie" performing as street musicians, feeling no pain.