A true entertainer well worth its salt.

Die Drei von der Tankstelle (1930) directed by Wilhelm Thiele

This is not a kind of film which your neighborhood Goethe Institut would like to screen for you.The reason is that in the past it was not at all considered an auteur film and as it was more of a song and dance film which according to cultural authorities would not appeal to serious film viewers.However with the passage of time the official status of this film has changed a lot and fortunately it is currently considered as one of the 100 most influential films
of the rich history of German cinema.The film is a very nice comic tale of three men in love with a rich girl.This may sound trite but in 1930 when it was made there was hardly any current of such type of films.That is the reason why this film is really unique in the annals of German cinema.A great film to cheer you up when you feel complete lost and return home with a woebegone look on your face.

In 1987, Jan Schutte created what Michael Winterbottom is directing these days.

Drachenfutter (1987) directed by Jan Schutte

These days it has become fashionable to make films which in some legitimate,politically correct manner sensationalize the questions related to human dignity,human freedom and human rights. A notable example is that of Miachael Winterbottom. He has made controversial films like A might heart and The road to Guantanamo.These films can be made and will be made as the prevalent times are the times of uncertainty,confusion, chaos and disorder. Now the question is : whom should one consider a better humanist filmmaker ? One who is making films keeping in mind the current trends of world politics or someone who created a little masterpiece without bothering to even battle an eyelid for world events. To my mind it is the latter who will emerge as a clear winner.Ladies and Gentleman the winner in this case is Jan Schutte. In 1987 he created a very subtle unassuming film about illegal immigrants and their hardships in Germany.What is unique about this film is its quasi documentary feel. Watching "Dragon chow" one gets the notion that real life events are happening in front of our eyes in real time. This feeling is sustained by the use of black and white photography which works wonders. Strongly recommended for those DVD collectors who are perpetually hunting rare, hard to find films.

Strange events happening on a single night.

Nachtgestalten (1999) directed by Andreas Dresen

The Pope's visit throws Berlin completely out of gear.He is unaware of profound changes it will bring in the lives of certain individuals. Hanna and Victor-a homeless couple will have a tough time finding a suitable hotel for a night's stay.Patty-a juvenile prostitute will rob Joachen-a naive farmer of his money.Peschke-an inept business executive will grasp the bitter truth that not all immigrants like Angolan Feliz Kolami steal wallets upon their arrival in Germany. Nachtgestalten is an ingenious motion picture belonging to the post reunification German Cinema.Andreas Dresen earned wide critical and commercial success with his film as it came at a moment when German cinema was inundated with numerous inelegant comedies.It is a highly imaginative film in which various droll events happen in rapid succession.Nachtgestalten takes us on a wonderful tour of night spots in Berlin which average tourists would normally shun.Andreas Dresen has candidly shown sordid aspects like dirt,junk,skinheads,racism, prostitution etc.The storyline appears credible as a result of outstanding acting prowess of its characters.Michael Gwisdek is brilliant as Peschke.Nachgestalten skillfully tackles the plight of homeless people.It proves without a shadow of a doubt how difficult it is to be poor in a rich country.