About Germany Year Zero

Germany Year Zero is a 1948 film directed and written by Roberto Rossellini. The film is set in post-war Berlin and follows the story of a 13-year-old boy Edwin, struggling to support his family in an environment devastated and demoralized by World War II. The plot intensifies as Edwin is misguided by former teacher who is a Nazi pedophile and Edwin gets convinced to poison his sick father for the 'greater good' of the family. This dark depiction of life gives a raw insight into the living conditions of the post-war period.

Making / Production

The film was a part of Roberto Rossellini's unofficial war film trilogy, following Rome, Open City and Paisan. Though it was shot in a devastated post-war Berlin, the film was an Italian production. Using non-professional actors and a grim post-war setting, Rossellini emphasised on the harsh realities of the people living there during that time.

Actors

• Edmund Meschke plays the role of the protagonist, Edmund Koehler. His portrayal of a young boy driven to desperate measures by his surroundings is heart-wrenching and convincing.
• Franz Kruger plays the character of Karl-Heinz, Edmund's brother. His struggle to find work and support the family showcases the bleak reality of post-war Germany.
• Ingetraud Hinze plays Eva, sister of Edmund, her role reflects the harsh life of women in the ruins.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie was filmed on location in Berlin just after the end of World War II, capturing in real time the effects of the war, making it a landmark in neorealist cinema.
• It was originally filmed in German, but it was later dubbed into Italian.

Awards

Germany Year Zero did not receive any awards, but was highly appreciated for its realistic portrayal of post-war Berlin.

Quotes

• "It's us who have to be hard, not ashamed of doing whatever it takes. It's us against everyone else. Better to be thieves than to let ourselves be stolen from."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's evocative soundtrack was composed by Renzo Rossellini, the director's brother.