Watch My German Friend

My German Friend is a 2012 German-Argentine historical drama film that explores the relationship between two young people from very different backgrounds. The film is directed by Jeanine Meerapfel and stars Max Riemelt, Benjamin Sadler, and Celeste Cid. The movie is set in the 1950s and 1960s, a tumultuous time in both Argentina and Germany. Lenz (played by Max Riemelt) is a German student who comes to Argentina to escape his oppressive homeland and to seek adventure in South America. In Buenos Aires, he meets Sulamit (played by Celeste Cid), a young Jewish woman who has recently lost her father to the horrors of the Holocaust. Despite their cultural and religious differences, Lenz and Sulamit quickly become close friends, sharing their hopes, dreams, fears, and secrets with each other.

As the years pass, their friendship deepens and evolves, and they find themselves facing different challenges and crises. In Germany, Lenz undergoes a personal and political transformation as he becomes involved in the student movement and the fight against the authoritarian government. In Argentina, Sulamit struggles to deal with her unanswered questions about her father's fate and to confront the brutal realities of the dictatorship that takes hold of the country.

Along the way, Lenz and Sulamit experience love, heartbreak, betrayal, and reconciliation, as they try to navigate their way through the complexities of their respective histories and identities. They encounter other people who shape their lives, both positively and negatively, such as Hans (played by Benjamin Sadler), Lenz's childhood friend and eventual rival in politics, and Eva (played by Jeanne Moreau), Sulamit's wise and inspiring mentor.

The film is beautifully shot and features stunning landscapes, vivid colors, and atmospheric music that capture the mood and feel of both Argentina and Germany. The performances of the three main actors are outstanding, with Max Riemelt and Celeste Cid displaying great chemistry and intensity as the central characters. The supporting cast is also strong, with Benjamin Sadler and Jeanne Moreau providing memorable and nuanced portrayals of their respective roles.

My German Friend is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores themes of identity, memory, friendship, politics, and social justice. Its historical context adds depth and relevance to its story, as it shines a light on two countries that were and still are grappling with their pasts and their futures. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in German-Argentine relations, Jewish history, Latin American cinema, or human relationships in general.

My German Friend is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.