Review of The Edukators (2004) by Benjamin F — 28 Feb 2010

Young German progressive radical political activists versus themselves - that simple idea, as cliche and predictable as the film can be at times, makes up the core, heart, and soul of The Edukators. And in all that, it's a lovely film.

The cast isn't particularly large, but all four of the central characters are memorable. Daniel Bruhl delivers once again without faltering - I've come to expect that from him after Good Bye, Lenin!, Two Days in Paris, and Joyeux Noel. This was the first performance I'd seen from Julia Jentsch, and she makes a strong impression as well. She's a lovely, tremendous talent, and together, she and Bruhl carry the film. Stipe Erceg and Burghart Klaussner play sympathetic slightly lesser main characters in focus. You can't help but feel for Peter as he unknowingly loses his girlfriend to his best friend. The inevitable fallout is strong. And Hardenberg puts a human face to everything the young radicals stand boldly against, reminding that nothing and no one is entirely two-dimensional. The dialogue he and his abductors share is real and involving. You end up liking and caring for all four of these characters.

The cinematography is lovely, between urban and suburban Berlin and the strong contrast the city receives from the mountains in the second half of the film. The soundtrack is all quality, too, though a few tracks - good as they are - may be slightly overplayed. (Sorry, Jeff Buckley and Leonard Cohen. Beautiful song and beautiful cover, but it's slightly distracting when songs are used multiple times in a film.) The music all works well in contrast to the moments of silence and ambient sound here and there throughout the film.

At its core, The Edukators is all about passionate radicals and close friends facing personal challenges to their friendships and strong shared sense of social justice. You won't have a hard time predicting the outcome - in large part because these characters are all sympathetic, good people at heart - but it's an enjoyable experience the whole way through with a valuable political dialogue taking place, and an inspiring display of rebellious spirit against the oppressive conservative, wealthy system we're all dealing with in the western world. The Edukators is a universal story, and appeals especially to the young and politically passionate. Definitely recommended.