Until well into the 1990s (!) It was officially a criminal offense in Germany to be gay. This excellent drama tells a true story about the infamous §175.
Story: He was in a concentration camp during the Nazi era. But even after that, Hans (Franz Rogowski, 35) has to go to prison again and again because of his homosexuality. His cell neighbor, the murderer Viktor (Georg Friedrich, 55), actually hates homosexuals. And yet he is touched by the young man’s hopeless situation …
Even bars cannot diminish the power of love. That is probably the most important lesson from Sebastian Meises (45, “Still Life”) film. Sometimes it is difficult to find your way around the frequently changing time levels. That is the only weakness of this often sad but hope-inspiring work.
Conclusion: Two great actors in an authentic story that touches you deeply, but also embarrasses you and still makes you really angry.
(116 min./FSK: from 16 years)