Trutz (1991)

Trutz and Stani are good friends in the young GDR. They like the Beatles’ music and fast motorcycles. One day, Stani’s father gives them a package from the West, which includes, among other things, jeans—at the time regarded in the GDR as a sign of Western decadence. At the same time, they are a sign of defiance if one dares to be seen wearing them. That is exactly what the two boys do, wearing the jeans to their secondary school. Headmistress Steiner refuses to tolerate this statement. She was in a concentration camp and is convinced that her cause is just. At first, the matter is supposed to be settled quietly, since Trutz is her daughter Brigitte’s boyfriend and may soon become her son-in-law. But even under increased pressure, the students refuse to give in. Eventually, the power struggle escalates to the point where the two are denied the chance to take their Abitur exams. Steiner’s colleague Steffen tries to mediate, but without success. Trutz manages to persuade Hoffmann to produce jeans at the tailoring workshop, since there is a great demand for them. Almost all the young people are desperate to get a pair. Hoffmann has the Western-style trousers made, but is soon visited by people “from above” and ordered to destroy the jeans. Stani eventually gives in, engages in self-criticism, and is allowed to take the Abitur exams again. But the strain breaks the friendship between Stani, Trutz, and Brigitte, and Brigitte’s previously trusting relationship with her mother is deeply shaken. Trutz is helpless as he has to watch the entire production being destroyed. He takes off all his clothes except the jeans and walks out into the rain in the middle of the street.