Barbara

Audience Reviews

View More (159)

Alain E An excellent, understated film about life in the socialist paradise that GDR was. (How ironic that after the reunification neonazis gained a foothold there; a different story.) A female physician loses the trust of the proletariat and is sent to serve somewhere in the German boonies. But she is not forgotten. The secret police visits her regularly to search her apartment for contraband, including gratis cavity search of her self. If this sounds an exaggeration today, it is nonetheless probably based on reality. Before the Berlin Wall fell, when you crossed the border across the famous Checkpoint Charlie, you were not allowed any printed matter and they checked in detail your pockets and any bags. No cavity searches though. You had to be a citizen. The movie gradually gives us a full portrait of the protagonist, including a free lesson on diagnosing meningitis. Despite her difficult circumstances she can still be compassionate and when she gets an opportunity to escape, she relinquishes it to a persecuted young girl. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/05/25 Full Review Vítor Pimentel de Oliveira V It's a quiet and subtle approach in a movie that deals with big issues such as political repression and the impact of that in one's work and romantic life, all carried with a beautifully restrained performance by Nina Hoss in the main role. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/23/25 Full Review isla s This is a somewhat sobering film, featuring numerous patients needing treatment in the small hospital the titular character finds herself posted to. Its perhaps a little bland but it isn't entirely dull, just there isn't a whole lot going for it either, so I'm in somewhat of two minds about it. The script is ok and the characters are mildly interesting but its certainly not a gripping watch. Its somewhat thoughtful I suppose. The main character is someone I could feel sorry for and understand her concerns and longing to be elsewhere... I guess its a film about identity really, self identity. This is a domestic drama, with a slightly arty feel to it I suppose. I wouldn't go out of your way to see it but its certainly an alright film in itself, so if it sounds of interest then it may be worth you watching it, yes. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Beautiful. Hopeful. Loved the sexy men who are unwitting rivals (unknown to each other) for this courageous, passionate woman. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member This is a terrific movie that works on many different levels. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member A very good portrait of life in Eastern Germany. Magnificent performances, supported by a script with the sensitivity and intelligence to reflect the nuances of the historical context and characters. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Barbara

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Most Popular at Home Now