Prinzessinnenbad (2007)

the audience applauded

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

This is a fantastic documentary. Three 15 y/o girls from similar "patch work family" backgrounds have to find their way through puberty and the challenges of their Berlin borough Kreuzberg 36, known for its low income and high migrant population. Especially Klara's fate is interesting, clearly allowing us to see that children need guidance, authority and in general a father figure in their lives. The language might be shocking at times, but this is authentic language, authentic consumption of alcohol and drugs. Even though the girls still have a chance to make it, it becomes obvious that at least two of them could still fail. The music is fantastic, mostly German subculture sounds, hip hops, rock, but perhaps not what the kids listen to, but that's OK. In a way it is even better than Raising Victor Vargas since it is not staged.

German director Bettina Blümner follows the three 15-year old girls Tanutscha, Klara and Mina, who are living in Berlin Kreuzberg, through about one year of their life. We get to know them and their life environment. Where they grow up, what problems they have to deal with and how they manage all of this. It's impressive how strong life makes you, that's what I had to think again and again, and obviously I wasn't the only one as I found out after the screening. Blümner refuses to add her own view on things, but just lets the girls talk. And they are funny, sad, strong, stupid and smart. Just like people are. That this film is able to give the viewer such a human impression of their lives is the big accomplishment of the director. I would call this a female, much brighter documentary counter piece to Detlev Buck's "Knallhart". The three girls are just amazing and a film like this is the best way of connecting the generations and creating understanding.

The camera captures serious and funny moments (sometimes both at the same) of three young (15 year old I think) girls who have grown up in Berlin-Kreuzberg. The movie is able to shorten the distance to its three main characters without losing feeling for the serious problems they will have to face on their way to adulthood. Besides that, there's plenty of typical problems of teenagers in puberty in it, so it has a somewhat nostalgic note, too. Overall it is well done and succeeds in presenting an entertaining movie which will still give you enough to think about. Especially the three girls (my favourite being the cheeky Tanutscha) make this movie worth watching. Of course there is a price to pay: Sitting in a cinema with plenty of South-German, pseudo-intellectual and -alternative students in their 20s or early 30s, giving me the feeling they are laughing at the expense of the under-privileged while never taking serious what these pretty tough girls have to say. "Muschis" Tanutscha would call them, I think. She is right.