Eric has been using drugs since he was fourteen. Now twenty-four, he lives in a small Saxon town with his mother and stepfather, spends nights in clubs and is put on trial at least once a year. He decides to change his life, goes to Berlin, enters the Theatre Academy. But to get rid of addiction to strong drugs is possible only 1 in 10.
The whole film feels sympathy for this man with a difficult fate. And this, obviously, is the luck and merit of the performer of the role of Olaf - Martin Brambach (Martin Brambach). Olaf is talented, he tries to get rid of addiction, however, time after time breaks into his abyss from collision with the dramatic realities of life. It’s easy and comfortable to sympathize and be compassionate when you look at a screen, but it’s quite another thing to live under the same roof as an alcoholic or a drug addict. Not all of them can (and should) be tested. The film is based on a real biography. Only a mother, selflessly loving her son, does not abandon him throughout the difficult journey.
Directing, the work of the operator is professional, but does not shine. The same can be said about the performance of actors, except for the lead actor Martin Brambach – his performance is undoubtedly impressive. You can also note the game of the head of the acting studio, which tried to study Olaf.
What can the viewer take out of the film? There is no doubt that people like Olaf need support and help and that hope cannot be lost. But participation in their fate is a heavy cross and not everyone is able to bear it, only those who are ready to devote their lives to the salvation of such a person are capable of it. It's a feat of mercy.
The movie is worth watching.