Tanz auf der Kippe

“What might happen if everyone were to start telling the truth” is the response when he refuses to participate in the self-deception of those around him. Though Gerat does find a sympathetic ear with teacher Claudia, he’s left alone in trying to prevent the removal of his beloved gasometer to the West: “The Republic celebrates and is sold off at the same time”. In the lead up to the 40th anniversary of the GDR on 7th October 1989 it comes to a showdown, in the aftermath of which Gerat is taken on an emotional rollercoaster. Whether or not he will be able to see again is uncertain, a powerful metaphor for the public mood around the time of “peaceful revolution”. Yet today the rebellious figure of Gerat (Frank Stieren) still strikes a chord, with the story a universal tale of growing up and rebellion: though the film suffered the injustice of going largely unnoticed amongst the commotion of reunification, it is more than able to hold its own with the major coming-of-age dramas of world cinema. GL