The acclaimed German Filmmaker Christian Petzold has done it again with his award winning film “Barbara.” The film takes place in East Germany in 1980 during a political divide; it set the stage for Barbara, played by Nina Hoss, a Berlin doctor who is sent to East Germany as punishment for applying for an exit vista.
This film, which is in German with subtitles, is filled with passion and suspense. It puts an artistic take on a women trying to escape the confinements of living and working as a doctor in a small provincial town, as punishment for wanting to travel West with her lover.
She makes no apologies for her behavior towards others and keeps quiet about who she is. If she doesn’t it could put her life and the lives of others in harm’s way.
Barbara avoids any contact with her co-worker as she assumes that they are there to deceive her. As much as she tries to avoid them, she seems to be affectionate towards Andre (Ronald Zehrfeld), the hospital’s head physician, who is always kind to her.
As her desire for Andre increases, Barbara has to make the decision to tell her darkest secrets, in order to survive.
This 1 hour and 45 minute film brings to light the desire to escape and the need to survive. Petzold’s is an artistic genius, with his use of suspense and passion to lure audiences. It is perfect for those who are interested in an interpreted look at the life during the Cold War.
“Barbara” will be screening at the Hippodrome State Theatre starting Friday. For more information and showtimes visit www.thehipp.org.
