Germany, Year Zero (1948) Review in 2025
Germany, Year Zero is a powerful and emotional drama that explores the human cost of war through the eyes of a young boy in post-war Germany.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and graphic content.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of drama and war films. It's a powerful and emotional portrayal of the human cost of war, and its themes and messages are still relevant today. However, it's not suitable for young children due to mature themes and graphic content.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Edmund, a 12-year-old boy who is struggling to survive in a devastated Berlin. As he navigates the harsh realities of war, he must confront the loss of his family and the moral complexities of the adult world.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is powerful and emotional, exploring the human cost of war through the eyes of a young boy. The narrative is simple yet effective, conveying the complexity of the adult world through Edmund's experiences.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, particularly Edmund Moeschke, who delivers a nuanced and emotional performance as Edmund. The supporting actors are also well-acted, adding depth and complexity to the story.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, particularly Edmund, who is a complex and nuanced portrayal of a young boy struggling to survive in a devastated world. The supporting characters are also well-acted and add depth to the story.
direction9.50/10
Roberto Rossellini's direction is masterful, using a combination of long takes and natural lighting to create a sense of realism and immediacy. The pacing is well-balanced, building tension and emotional resonance through the narrative.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, capturing the devastation and desolation of post-war Germany through a combination of black-and-white footage and natural lighting. The use of long takes and static shots adds to the sense of realism and immediacy.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Powerful and emotional story, well-developed characters, masterful direction, stunning cinematography, superb acting.
Cons
Mature themes and graphic content may be disturbing for some viewers.
Notable Quotes
"I don't want to be a soldier, I want to be a boy."
"The war is over, but the real battle has just begun."
