Christiane F.
The image of a generation.
Overview
This movie portrays the drug scene in Berlin in the 70s, following tape recordings of Christiane F. 14 years old Christiane lives with her mother and little sister in a typical multi-storey apartment building in Berlin. She's fascinated by the 'Sound', a new disco with most modern equipment. Although she's legally too young, she asks a friend to take her. There she meets Detlef, who's in a clique where everybody's on drugs. Step by step she gets drawn deeper into the scene.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
The film is based on the non-fiction book 'Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo' (We Children from Bahnhof Zoo), which was a compilation of interviews with Christiane Felscherinow. The movie shocked West German audiences and sparked a national debate about drug use, poverty, and social issues affecting youth in a divided Berlin.
- Realistic and unflinching portrayal of teenage drug addiction in 1970s Berlin.
- Compelling performances by the young actors, particularly Natja Brunckhorst as Christiane.
- Provides a stark and cautionary tale about the dangers of heroin and the devastating consequences for individuals and families.
- Features a memorable soundtrack including David Bowie's music, which enhances the film's atmosphere.
Fun Facts
- David Bowie appears as himself in a concert scene filmed specifically for the movie.
- Many of the locations used in the film were actual drug hotspots in West Berlin, adding to the film's authenticity.