I live in SO36 for over 20 years now, the film was shot here - so why not give it a try? Here is why: • no significant story. If you like to gossip and watch other peoples relationships this might be interesting. If you're into stories that exceed everyday life - look somewhere else. • SO36 in 1989 was different. Far better than the utterly and totally misconceived sham 'Sonnenallee', but if you seek for insight into the times of the Wende in Berlin SO36 (Sonnenallee: Berlin 44) - avoid these! In my opinion SO36 had been the choice of location for this film, cause SO36 still catches peoples imagination - and has been for a quite long time. This story does not require the Wende at all. •not convincingly made. Some of the dialogs are just so woody, so read out... Anyway - I wasted two hours with this - don't do the same!

Hmm, who's the set director of Leander Hausmann? He should look out for a new one. The story is quite good, the main actor is great, but the set decoration makes me sick and remembers me all the time to Sonnenallee. Watch out or for the recycling bins after the scene where Frank and Katrin dispute in the Döner takeout. Leander, please remember, the story took place in the eighties. Another example? Did anyone read the story? Frank Lehmann came from Bremen, north of Germany.. And the slang of his parents? They sound like east Germans. And the hidden propaganda for Beck's Bier all the time... Boye, Hausmann, Buck, please stay away from making films.

Read the book, it's great. The movie is very disappointing. Bad adaption of the story, worst casting. Sorry, but Mr. Ulmen didn't perform very well as Herr Lehmann. Detlev Buck couldn't save the movie.If you have read the book, don't see this movie. If you haven't, read it.

1. a remarkable screenplay (based on a contemporary literary classic) with several truly hilarious lines2. fresh, charismatic characters and actors, all the more convincing for their random quirks and non-supermodel appearance3. unconventional direction4. one of the best soundtracks EVER!a recommendation with five exclamation marks!!!!!