Sven arrives in nowadays Auschwitz to do his civil service at the memorial. He encounters unfriendliness, especially by Stanislaw Krzeminski, the 85 year old KZ-survivor, and Krzysztof Lanuszewski, brother of his early love affair Ania. Even his boss Herold, the places manager, does little to help Sven familiarize. But when problems accumulate Sven realises that he already has become involved.
Acting
Ryszard Ronczewski's prickly survivor steals every scene.
Direction
Thalheim finds humanity in excruciating silences.
Writing
Refuses easy redemption arcs. Respect.
Director
Robert Thalheim
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Germany's 'Zivildienst' (alternative civilian service) sent thousands of young pacifists to Holocaust memorials, creating this exact generational tension.
Ryszard Ronczewski was actually a Polish theater legend; this was his final major film role at age 85, mirroring his character.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
DE
