Zugvögel (1947)
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Directors
Cast
Carl Raddatz, Lotte Koch, Gerta Böttcher, Fritz Wagner, Addi Adametz, Gert Karl Schaefer, Peter-Timm Schaufuß, Eva Barlog
During a canoe trip through occupied Germany, a group of young people wrestles with how to move forward after the war.
The story
In the first year of peace, a group of young people drifts down the Weser in a canoe through occupied Germany. Their trip becomes a long, contemplative discussion about the state of their war-ravaged, troubled homeland and what it means to begin again. They conclude that the past should not be forgotten, but that the country must look toward rebuilding. Their introspective conversations are challenged by Georg, an older traveler who urges them to stop drifting and take the opportunity for a fresh start. Georg has emerged from the war with severe injuries, and his presence brings a more pragmatic perspective to the group’s reflections.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
The “migratory birds” are a group of young people drifting down the Weser in occupied Germany during the first year of peace, discussing at length the state of their war-ravaged and troubled homeland during a contemplative canoe trip. They soon come to realize that they should leave the past behind without letting it be forgotten, and look ahead by focusing on rebuilding the country. Into these rambling, philosophical bouts of self-reflection comes Georg, somewhat older than the others, bringing a healthy dose of pragmatism to the introspective boaters. Georg makes it clear to them all how little reason they have to complain or despair, given their youth and good health. He urges his young fellow travelers to stop drifting along and finally dare to make the much-needed fresh start. Georg himself emerged from the recently ended war with severe injuries caused by a serious head wound. As the other boaters gradually find their way to one another, Georg—who briefly believes he has found a kindred spirit and great love in Renée—sees no future for himself and seeks death by suicide in the North Sea. The film leaves open what becomes of the other migratory birds on the Weser, and whether they turn their lofty words into action.
Genres
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