Deutschland 83

My Brother was is W. Berlin from 1980 to 1983. I was in Kitzingen, Germany from 1984 to 1987. This show is true to the look, feel and emotions of the Cold War at that time. The emotional and psychological tug of Cold War was palpable during the 80's with every step one took, and this show, somehow, surprisingly brings those feelings and emotions down to the minutest detail alive again. The U.S. and the Soviet Union were preparing for war, and the Fulda Gap was where we practiced our maneuvers for a ground assault (this is common knowledge, so don't get your panties in a wad over this information). Everything in this series, especially the use of music, cars, and women is spot on. Bravo! This series deserves to continue.

It is exaggerated, it is pretty dramatic. But thats what we usually expect today. On the other hand it were pretty dramatic times, the cold war was no fun at all even if we might think so today. This is what happens if you do not communicate.

For me personally it's one of the best German TV shows of the last decades - speaking as a German. Our movies and TV shows are usually totally crap (especially today I would say). American readers might think that's a sad fact that is also true for American productions, but believe me, it's not the same. But that's a different topic.

The series has its weaknesses, sometimes its pretty much a cliché but don't forget it's a comprehension of these times, it's not a documentary, it's a drama series. And there were in fact a lot of stubborn and blind people in high-rank positions, who even thought they were „smarter" than anyone else.

I've been born in West Germany. 1983 I was just 7/8 years old and I do remember that my father (a teacher) was somehow upset at this time. I didn't understand the whole stuff, the TV was sometimes full of it, but this made me grow up with the idea that the whole world is pretty close to destroy itself in an instant. Strange times - I hadn't really a clue what was happening and was watching and doing a lot of different stuff. Geez, I was a kid, kids are always optimistic although I did have one or another nightmare of „some big war". The American culture had a deep and massive influence on Western Germany at this time, I do remember this quite well and it's not so obvious in this show but it's still noticeable. Like the GDR was under massive influence of the soviet union. Till today it's burned into my brain, indelibly. (Keep this is mind if you're an American and talk to Germans today - this whole cold war thing has pretty much messed up everything in the aftermath - till today.)

But I'm loosing my point. For me the series captures the feeling in Germany at this time pretty well, the characters are spot on, the actors do an awesome job, they really feel „80s style", only the budget limit obviously stopped it from being better overall. But for this it's pretty impressive and for German standards pretty brave. It could have a bit more teeth but not to much since it's fairly trying to find a balance without punching into faces, it gives both sides a fair share of the story. We are smarter today - aren't we?

Kudos to the producers, the writer, the director and the actors. Great job, it's a remarkable show I really wish it would go on and become even better. It were pretty difficult times but I believe Germany today is in an even more delicate situation and this story is not over yet. Unfortunately.

IF you already like the series "The Americans", remember the 80's and don't mind subtitles.

It is a nice German spy adventure involving the youth in the German states that had been divided since the end of WW2.

I was 28 years old at the time this story takes place so... there were more than a few sentimental moments for me. It can be a lot of fun if, like me you are old enough to remember songs like "99 Luftballons". Or maybe you remember that sensation first time you ever used that "new" Sony Walkman? WOW!

Obviously this is a TV series so it isn't Shakespeare but... I found the writing more than adequate. Actors were good too. I found it easy to follow even while reading subtitles. (I only understand a tiny bit of German).

Watching as a U.S. citizen is a real bonus too. I do remember most of the historical events depicted but... from a much different perspective. It was eye opening to finally consider what it must have been like for the people living in Europe during this period.

Like most fiction, there are several logical, factual and dramatic flaws but that does not detract in any significant way from this series.

If you like history, are interested in Germany or specifically Germany in the 80s and most of all, if you need your TV drama to be smart and complex, you will love this series.

Yes it is extremely unlikely that a border guard with a fake identity would be accepted as an assistant to a West German general, but the characters and dramatic themes are extremely compelling. The attention to detail in terms of East v West Germany and early 80s vibe are outstanding.

I only wish that a "season" was more than a mere 8 episodes!

I was in the US Army in '83 and intimately involved with the PII deployment and Able Archer. This perspective, from the East and West German point of view, is both reminiscent of my own experience and an enhancement of it. Well acted, produced, and an accurate account of the times. I had many German friends at the time, but due to my position I avoided talking politics as much as possible, but I hear their views echoed here.

Still, I was very aware of my friends reluctance to allow the PIIs and Cruise Missiles into their country. It wasn't until some years later that I discovered how Able Archer was perceived in the East, and this series recounts much of what I learned. It's been said that '83 was on par with the Cuban Missile Crisis in terms of edging toward nuclear war.

So to find a series that takes a piece of my past and twists and supplements it is very interesting. That is very well done makes it a must see for me! There are elements of the plot that get a bit overblown at times, but add to the intrigue and suspense (it is a fictional account, so that's OK). I'm very glad to have found this and would recommend it!!