Storyline

People from different walks of life in the German city of Rostock intersect when a rampaging mob besieges a residential building occupied by Vietnamese immigrants.

Plot Keywords

politician, immigrant, nazi, german, thrilling, dark, frightening, gritty, office, town, abandoned building, flat, street, germany, schemes, rebellion, intolerance, opposing ideals, clique, boredom, 1990s

Short Review

It's no accident that this is the festival's opening night film. The big news story from Europe this year has been about the waves of migrants who are making their way from countries where their own governments have failed them politically, economically, socially and religiously. Germany has already announced that it will absorb 800,000 of these migrants - a number that is leaving economists scratching their collective heads wondering how the country will be able to afford it. Sociologists, meanwhile, are wondering if every day Germans will accept having so many foreigners in their midst. It was only 23 years ago that anti-migrant attacks took place in the Lichtenhagen district of Rostock.The real Sunflower TowerThe real Sunflower TowerWE ARE YOUNG. WE ARE STRONG. recreates the violent events of August 1992. It follows a group of disaffected, young men and women who rebel against authority by turning against the Roma, Romanian and Vietnamese immigrants who are being housed at the Sunflower Tower in Rostock. The story centers on three characters: Stefan (Jonas Nay) is part of this mixed group of neo-Nazis, leftists and anarchists who are targetting the foreigners, though his heart really isn't in it. He's just bored with life and it's a way for him to pass time with his friends. Stefan's father, Martin (Devid Striesow, THE COUNTERFEITERS), is a local politician. The growing xenophobia isn't helping his chances for re-election. He believes that modern Germany should be multiethnic but he knows his constituents are turning away from that ideal. He also knows that he has no control over his son. He probably lost that years ago when his wife exited the picture (presumably through death, though we're not sure). Lien (Trang Le Hong) is a Vietnamese immigrant living at the housing estate along with her brother and his wife. She's trying hard to integrate into German society. She's learned German, works hard at her job, and is just about to receive her permanent residency papers. She wants to stay and build a life for herself in Germany but does Germany want her?Shot in black & white, the film is directed by Burhan Qurbani, himself the son of Afghan immigrants to Germany. His 2010 film, SHAHADA, was nominated for the Golden Bear at the Berlinale that year.WE ARE YOUNG. WE ARE STRONG. is not an easy film to watch. It's slow burning but its message in the closing scene makes it well worth the wait.

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Amazon Video : Rent from $1.99, Or $0.00 with a Prime membership