Babylon Berlin

Weimar Germany detective show mixing crime, politics

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About Babylon Berlin

Released: 2017

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 3 Seasons

Cast
Volker Bruch, Liv Lisa Fries, Peter Kurth, Leonie Benesch, Matthias Brandt, Severija Janusauskaite, Fritzi Haberlandt, Ivan Shvedoff, Lars Eidinger, Anton von Lucke, Mišel Mati?evi?

About Babylon Berlin

Babylon Berlin is a German crime-drama television series that premiered in 2017. Set in Berlin during the Weimar Republic in the 1920s, the show follows police inspector Gereon Rath as he investigates various criminal activities while navigating the political turmoil and social changes of the time. The series delves into the underbelly of the city, exploring themes of corruption, espionage, and societal unrest.

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About

Babylon Berlin is based on the novels by German writer Volker Kutscher and has gained critical acclaim for its intricate storytelling and atmospheric setting. The show captures the frenetic energy and decadence of Berlin in the 1920s, showcasing a city on the brink of immense change.

Making / Production

The series was created by Tom Tykwer, Achim von Borries, and Hendrik Handloegten. It is known for its lavish production design, meticulous attention to historical detail, and sprawling ensemble cast. The filming of Babylon Berlin involved extensive sets and period costumes to recreate the era authentically.

Actors

  • Volker Bruch as Gereon Rath - Inspector Rath is a haunted World War I veteran striving to solve crimes while grappling with personal demons.
  • Liv Lisa Fries as Charlotte Ritter - Charlotte is a young police clerk who harbors ambitions of becoming a police inspector, navigating the male-dominated world of law enforcement.
  • Peter Kurth as Bruno Wolter - Wolter is a senior police officer with a mysterious past, who becomes entangled in Rath's investigations.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • Babylon Berlin has been praised for its intricate plotlines and complex characters that delve into the political and social issues of the Weimar Republic.
  • The show's budget reportedly made it the most expensive non-English language drama series to date.

Awards

Babylon Berlin has received numerous awards and nominations, including multiple accolades for its cinematography, acting performances, and production design.

Quotes

  • "In Berlin, there's no place for morality." - Gereon Rath
  • "You can't fight the system. You won't change a thing." - Charlotte Ritter

Music

The show features an evocative score composed by Johnny Klimek and Tom Tykwer, adding to the noir atmosphere of the series. The music blends elements of jazz, classical, and electronic genres to create a dynamic soundscape.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Babylon Berlin incorporates popular songs from the 1920s as well as original compositions. It enhances the period setting of the show and immerses viewers in the vibrant musical landscape of the time.