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Joy Division is a 2006 German drama film directed by Reg Traviss, which tells the story of a group of young Germans who form a punk band in 1970s Berlin, during the height of the political tensions of the Cold War. The film follows the band's evolution from an amateur group playing in seedy nightclubs to an international sensation, drawing inspiration from the music of British punk band Joy Division.

The film's protagonist, Chris (played by Ed Stoppard), is an aspiring musician who moves to Berlin to escape his conservative upbringing and to find his place in a world that is deeply divided by ideology and culture. Chris is immediately drawn to the city's vibrant punk scene, where he meets other like-minded individuals who share his passion for music and rebellion.

Together with his friend and fellow musician, Detlev (Tom Schilling), Chris forms a band called the "Outer Crust," which quickly gains a following among the city's young and disillusioned inhabitants. The band's music is abrasive, often confrontational, and reflects the anger and frustration of the times.

As the Outer Crust's fame grows, so too does the tension within the band itself. Chris and Detlev's creative differences become increasingly apparent, and they struggle to reconcile their conflicting visions for the band's future. Meanwhile, Chris falls in love with a young woman named Annik (Bernadette Heerwagen), whose commitment to left-wing politics complicates their relationship.

As the band gains more exposure, they begin to attract the attention of the authorities, who view their music as subversive and potentially dangerous. This sets the stage for a conflict that will test the Outer Crust's resilience and force them to confront the limits of their idealism.

Joy Division is a visually striking film that portrays Berlin in the 1970s with gritty authenticity. The film captures the bleakness of a city divided by ideological differences, where the legacy of the Second World War looms large in every corner. The film's soundtrack is also a highlight, as it features original and cover versions of songs by Joy Division, as well as other punk and new wave bands of the era.

At its core, Joy Division is a film about the power of music to unite and inspire people, even in the face of adversity. The film shows how a group of young outsiders can come together to create something that transcends their individual differences and speaks to a generation. It also explores the darker side of the punk movement, including its tendency towards self-destruction and nihilism.

The performances in Joy Division are uniformly strong, with Stoppard and Schilling bringing depth and nuance to their portrayals of Chris and Detlev. Heerwagen is also excellent as Annik, imbuing her character with a quiet strength and conviction that is both inspiring and tragic.

Overall, Joy Division is a thought-provoking and engaging film that offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in music history. Through its exploration of the punk movement in Berlin, the film illuminates the power of music to both reflect and shape the world around us.