The Miracle of Berlin

This exhilarating historical drama was a blockbuster German TV event last year. In East Berlin in 1988, three unhappy generations of the Kaiser family live in cramped conditions under one roof. The story centers on Marco, a young poet and no-future punk who spends his time defying his self-satisfied, Socialist party functionary dad. When Marco is busted at an underground party, his dad bails him out of prison but makes him promise to do military service. Inspired in part by his new relationship with idealistic young Anja, Marco agrees to join the army, finding a purpose in life he's never had before. Meanwhile, Marco's mother and Anja join a swelling citizens' group demanding democratic change. One nervous night, Marco and his troops are sent to guard the border. Public discontent is at a feverish pitch, and it looks like the Berlin Wall might be bursting its seams. Arriving to do his duty, Marco is horrified to find himself on the opposite side of the barricade from his family. Based on a true story, and featuring superb acting and unusually complex characters, THE MIRACLE OF BERLIN is a nuanced study of average lives in extraordinary circumstances. (In German with English subtitles) – B.B.