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all the bands he’s been in with crazy intriguing names. Now, though, Hans can hardly be described as a success story of modern unified Germany. He is still troubled by his time in prison (probably undeserved). He has problems with drugs and alcohol and is facing a serious crisis after his umpteenth arrest for drunk driving without a license. He is a father to at least a couple of kids who he treats as equals but surely can’t support as a parent. He seems unsuited for any job but does sincerely love music.
He is a charming, infuriating character but he is also representative of dreams that never came true for East Berlin. Hans describes a robbery gone wrong, visits his old prison (being turned into condos!), is frustrated by his mother and generally relives the glory days while still trying to imagine a future for himself. The filmmaker maintains a respectful distance and an open mind.
It’s a shame that so many of the songs have lyrics in English because they are really bad. If they were in German we could probably enjoy the music in a different mindset but here it’s hard not to cringe.