Barbara

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Alain E @AlainE Sep 5, 2025 An excellent, understated film about life in the socialist paradise that GDR was. (How ironic that after the reunification neonazis gained a foothold there; a different story.) A female physician loses the trust of the proletariat and is sent to serve somewhere in the German boonies. But she is not forgotten. The secret police visits her regularly to search her apartment for contraband, including gratis cavity search of her self. If this sounds an exaggeration today, it is nonetheless probably based on reality. Before the Berlin Wall fell, when you crossed the border across the famous Checkpoint Charlie, you were not allowed any printed matter and they checked in detail your pockets and any bags. No cavity searches though. You had to be a citizen. The movie gradually gives us a full portrait of the protagonist, including a free lesson on diagnosing meningitis. Despite her difficult circumstances she can still be compassionate and when she gets an opportunity to escape, she relinquishes it to a persecuted young girl. See more Vítor Pimentel de Oliveira V @RT19027067 Mar 23, 2025 It's a quiet and subtle approach in a movie that deals with big issues such as political repression and the impact of that in one's work and romantic life, all carried with a beautifully restrained performance by Nina Hoss in the main role. See more isla s @RT89656869 Sep 4, 2022 This is a somewhat sobering film, featuring numerous patients needing treatment in the small hospital the titular character finds herself posted to. Its perhaps a little bland but it isn't entirely dull, just there isn't a whole lot going for it either, so I'm in somewhat of two minds about it. The script is ok and the characters are mildly interesting but its certainly not a gripping watch. Its somewhat thoughtful I suppose. The main character is someone I could feel sorry for and understand her concerns and longing to be elsewhere... I guess its a film about identity really, self identity. This is a domestic drama, with a slightly arty feel to it I suppose. I wouldn't go out of your way to see it but its certainly an alright film in itself, so if it sounds of interest then it may be worth you watching it, yes. See more Richard D @RT89807999 May 17, 2022 Beautiful. Hopeful. Loved the sexy men who are unwitting rivals (unknown to each other) for this courageous, passionate woman. See more Jul 27, 2021 This is a terrific movie that works on many different levels. See more Jul 15, 2021 A very good portrait of life in Eastern Germany. Magnificent performances, supported by a script with the sensitivity and intelligence to reflect the nuances of the historical context and characters. See more Read all reviews

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