Best Books and Films about Berlin's Culture

Berlin is a city rich in history, art, and culture. From its vibrant street art to its historic landmarks, Berlin has inspired countless authors and filmmakers. In this post, we will explore some of the best books and films that capture the essence of Berlin's unique culture. Whether you are a local or a visitor, these works will give you a deeper understanding of this fascinating city.

Berlin's culture is a blend of the old and the new. The city has seen significant changes over the years, especially after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. This transformation has influenced many artists, writers, and filmmakers. They have used their craft to express the complexities of life in Berlin.

In this post, we will highlight a selection of books and films that showcase Berlin's culture. We will discuss their themes, significance, and what makes them stand out. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of Berlin's literature and cinema.

Books that Capture Berlin's Spirit

1. Berlin Diary: The Journal of a Foreign Correspondent 1934-1941 by William L. Shirer

By the acclaimed journalist and bestselling author of The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, this day-by-day, eyewitness account of the momentous events leading up to World War II in Europe is now available in a new paperback edition.

Shirer's book offers a unique perspective on the beginning of the Nazi era in Berlin. It is a chilling experience that shows the reader how an educated and refined society could fall into mass madness.

2. "Berlin: The Downfall 1945" by Antony Beevor

Antony Beevor's "Berlin: The Downfall 1945" is a gripping account of the final days of World War II in Berlin. This book provides a detailed narrative of the city's fall and the impact it had on its residents. Beevor's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring the events to life.

The book is not just about the war; it also explores the human experience during this tumultuous time. Readers gain insight into the struggles and resilience of Berliners. This work is essential for anyone interested in understanding the darker chapters of Berlin's history.

2. "Goodbye to Berlin" by Christopher Isherwood

"Goodbye to Berlin" is a semi-autobiographical novel by Christopher Isherwood. Set in the early 1930s, it paints a vivid picture of life in Berlin during the rise of the Nazi regime. The book is a collection of interconnected stories featuring a cast of memorable characters.

Isherwood's writing captures the vibrancy and decadence of Berlin's nightlife. It also highlights the growing tensions in society. This novel is a must-read for those who want to understand the cultural landscape of Berlin before the war.

3. "Berlin: A Novel" by Jason Lutes

Jason Lutes' graphic novel "Berlin" is an epic tale set in the Weimar Republic. The story follows several characters as they navigate the political and social changes of the time. Lutes' artwork is stunning, and the narrative is rich with historical detail.

This graphic novel is unique in its approach to storytelling. It combines visual art with a compelling narrative, making it accessible to a wide audience. "Berlin" is an excellent choice for readers who appreciate both literature and art.

Films that Showcase Berlin's Culture

1. "Look Who's Back" by by David Wnendt (2015)

   
   

In 2014, Adolf Hitler wakes up in the Berlin park where his Führerbunker once stood. Disoriented, he wanders through the city, interpreting modern situations from a wartime perspective. Mistaken for an impersonator, Hitler encounters a mime and an anxious young mother, the latter of which pepper-sprays him. He faints after reading a newspaper stating the year is 2014.

This 2015 German satirical black comedy film was directed by David Wnendt and based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Timur Vermes. The film was remade in Italy as Sono tornato (I'm Back). The plot closely follows the German film except that it is Benito Mussolini rather than Hitler who magically reappears in the 21st century. There is also a previous and similar version: a 1980 Spanish satirical film And in the Third Year, He Rose Again explores the resurrection of dictator Francisco Franco in 1978 during the Spanish transition to democracy.

2. "A Coffee in Berlin" by Jan-Ole Gerster (2012)

The film, originally titled Oh Boy, is a 2012 German tragicomedy film written and directed by Jan-Ole Gerster. It follows an aimless university dropout who attempts to make sense of life as he spends one fateful day wandering the streets of Berlin. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 77% of 53 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.7/10. The website's consensus reads: "Amiably slight, A Coffee in Berlin compensates for its lack of narrative drive with a sure-handed screenplay and echoes of early Woody Allen.

3. "Berlin Calling" by Hannes Stöhr (2008)

"Berlin Calling" is a film that explores the electronic music scene in Berlin. It follows the story of a DJ named Ickarus, played by actor Paul Kalkbrenner. The film captures the energy and creativity of Berlin's nightlife.

The soundtrack is a highlight, featuring original music that reflects the city's vibrant club culture. This film is perfect for anyone interested in the intersection of music and urban life in Berlin.

4. "The lives of the Others" by Florian Henckel (2006)

The Lives of Others is a 2006 German drama film written and directed by Florian Henckel. The plot is about the monitoring of East Berlin residents by agents of the Stasi, East Germany's secret police. In 1984 East Germany (GDR), Stasi Hauptmann Gerd Wiesler, code name HGW XX/7, is ordered by his friend and superior, Lt. Col. Anton Grubitz, to spy on playwright Georg Dreyman, whose pro-communist politics and international recognition have so far kept the state from directly monitoring him.

A review in Daily Variety by Derek Elley described the film as "a superbly cast drama", which "balances the many dramatic and emotional strands between the players with poise and clarity" while Time magazine's Richard Corliss named the film one of the Top 10 Movies of 2007, ranking it at #2 and praising a "poignant, unsettling thriller"

5. "Good Bye, Lenin!" by Wolfgang Becker (2003)

Good Bye, Lenin! is a 2003 German tragicomedy film directed by Wolfgang Becker et in the final year of East Germany (GDR), the film portrays a family's personal and emotional journey through the turbulent period surrounding the Peaceful Revolution and German reunification. Filmed largely along Karl-Marx-Allee and in the Plattenbau districts around Alexanderplatz in Berlin, Good Bye, Lenin! offers a poignant yet satirical reflection on memory, identity, and the socio-political transformation of East Germany. While it gently critiques the state's limitations, the film also presents the GDR not merely as a failed system but as a homeland with values, community life, and ideals that were abruptly overwritten by the realities of capitalist integration.

The film received generally favorable reviews. It has a rating of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 68 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 32 critics.^[12] Empire magazine gave the film four stars out of five, saying: "An ingenious little idea that is funny, moving and—gasp!—even makes you think."^[13] The magazine also ranked it 91st in "The 100 Best Films of World Cinema" in 2010.

6. "Run Lola Run" by Tom Tykwer (1998)

"Run Lola Run" is a fast-paced thriller that follows Lola as she races against time to save her boyfriend. The film is set in various locations around Berlin, showcasing the city's modernity and energy.

The innovative storytelling and dynamic cinematography make this film a standout. It reflects the urgency and excitement of life in Berlin. This film is perfect for those who enjoy action and suspense.

7. "The Promise" by Margarethe von Trotta (1994)

East-Berlin, 1961, shortly after the erection of the Wall. Konrad, Sophie and three of their friends plan a daring escape to Western Germany. The attempt is successful, except for Konrad, who remains behind. From then on, and for the next 28 years, Konrad and Sophie will attempt to meet again, in spite of the Iron Curtain. Konrad, who has become a reputed Astrophysicist, tries to take advantage of scientific congresses outside Eastern Germany to arrange encounters with Sophie. But in a country where the political police, the Stasi, monitors the moves of all suspicious people (such as Konrad's sister Barbara and her husband Harald), preserving one's privacy, ideals and self-respect becomes an exhausting fight, even as the Eastern block begins its long process of disintegration.

8. "Wings of Desire" by Wim Wenders (1987)

"Wings of Desire," directed by Wim Wenders, is a poetic film that tells the story of angels observing life in Berlin. The film beautifully captures the city's atmosphere, showcasing its architecture and landscapes.

The narrative explores themes of love, longing, and the human experience. It is a visually stunning film that offers a unique perspective on Berlin. This classic is a must-see for anyone interested in the artistic side of the city.

9. "Germany year zero" by Roberto Rossellini (1948)

Rossellini used mainly local, non-professional actors. He filmed on locations in Berlin and intended to convey the reality in Germany the year after its near total destruction in World War II. It contains dramatic images of bombed out Berlin and of the human struggle for survival following the destruction of Nazi Germany. When explaining his ideas about realism in an interview, he said, "realism is nothing other than the artistic form of truth."

In 1949 Austrian film critic Hans Habe called it "a terrifying film...not artistically, but because it would be terrifying if the world saw the new Germany as Rossellini does."

10. "Berlin: Symphony of a Metropolis" by Walter Ruttmann (1927)

The film is an example of the 'city symphony' film genre.^[1] It portrays the life of a city, mainly through visual impressions in a semi-documentary style, without the narrative content of more mainstream films, though the sequencing of events can imply a kind of loose theme or impression of the city's daily life.

The events are arranged to simulate the passage of a single day. Shots and scenes are cut together based on relationships of image, motion, point of view, and thematic content.

At times, a sort of non-narrative commentary can be implied, as in edits that juxtapose workers entering a factory with cattle being beaten and driven into a corral. The five-reel film is divided into five acts, and each act is announced through a title card at the beginning and end.

Final Thoughts

Berlin is a city that continues to inspire artists, writers, and filmmakers. Its culture is a tapestry woven from history, art, and human experience. The books and films discussed in this post are just a starting point.

As you explore Berlin's literature and cinema, you will discover new stories and perspectives. Each work offers a glimpse into the heart of this vibrant city. So, whether you are reading a novel or watching a film, let Berlin's culture captivate you.