Rent We Children from Bahnhof Zoo (2021)
3.2 of 5 from 57 ratings
6h 40min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
Set in a timeless West Berlin, with an epic music soundtrack that combines Bowie classics with contemporary dance tracks, 'We Children from Bahnhof Zoo' tells the story of six teenagers who find each other in the intoxicating clubs of the city. They are strong, courageous and living wildly in this ?paradise' - one that initially appears to be a riot of colour, daring and excitement. At the centre of the group is Christiane (Jana McKinnon) whose life is torn apart by the devastating separation of her parents. She escapes her home only to find herself slipping into a seductive underworld. As the group's bond intensifies, they hedonistically chase the next thrill, navigating their way through euphoric highs and dark, dangerous lows. While their lives and relationships expand and unravel, their individual traumas drag them into a tailspin that some of them will never escape. - Actors:
- Jana McKinnon, Lena Urzendowsky, Lea Drinda, Michelangelo Fortuzzi, Jeremias Meyer, Bruno Alexander, Angelina Häntsch, Sebastian Urzendowsky, Bernd Hölscher, Valerie Koch, Nik Xhelilaj, Gerhard Liebmann, Tonio Arango, Stella Brückner, Franz Schmidt, Dimitrij Schaad, Heide Simon, Hildegard Schmahl, Monika Oschek, Thomas Niehaus
- Directors:
- Philipp Kadelbach
- Producers:
- Oliver Berben, Sophie von Uslar
- Creators:
- Oliver Berben, Annette Hess, Philipp Kadelbach
- Writers:
- Oliver Berben, Linda Brieda, Christiane Felscherinow, Kai Hermann, Annette Hess, Philipp Kadelbach, Christiane Kalss, Horst Rieck, Johannes Rothe, Lisa Rüffer, Florian Vey, Sophie von Uslar
- Aka:
- Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo
- Studio:
- Acorn Media
- Genres:
- TV Dramas, TV Teen Dramas
- Countries:
- Germany
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Reviews (1) of We Children from Bahnhof Zoo
So-so but confused Berlin-set 1990s druggie drama - We Children from Bahnhof Zoo review by PV
I doubt I am the target demographic for this teen drama - set, I think, in 1990s, judging by nightclub music and Berlin Wall down so travel to former commie states possible. I have been to Zoo station which is in West Berlin and yes, the station attracts a lot of drug addicts, beggars and down and outs, as many train stations.
It is directed by the director of the truly great Generation War Philipp Kadelbach.
However, I felt that, though the 8-part 2 disc series was watchable, it often dragged and could have been a 3 parter. Far too much of teen squabbles and teens smoking (endlessly) and teens having tantrums and teens dancing. Lots of flab here.
I also felt the story could not decide if it was a thriller, a fantasy, a druggie drama like a German 'Trainspotting, a pop star fan movie (Bowie appears in the first 4 episodes a lot then vanishes), a memoir - and consequently is none of them. It falls between all stools and is thus a bit messy and confused. I could have done without the fantasy element.
Btw the best film I have ever seen on drug addiction is "Osla, August 31st" (2011) which is a brilliant film, grown-up but featuring young people.
Some may be offended by drug taking, sex and violence depicted. I am not. What did offend me and I call it out here is how every single man is portrayed as either a useless buffoon (like the clueless father with dreamy plans that never work) or monstrous violent abusers. Every single one. Can you imagine a film or drama which portrayed all adult women as useless or abusers? One star off for that sexism.
That may well be what the book or magazine article this is based on portrayed. But I found it unfortunate and it also means most adult men here are just cartoon characters in 2 D not 3 dimensional characters. I very much suspect the 'true story' is embellished too - and at the start of every episode it more or less makes that clear.
I liked the 2 young male leads in particular whose stories and dilemmas were more interesting, frankly, than that of the girls.
2.5 stars rounded up.
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