This is neither a new nor an original story. We have seen many biographical pictures about people who lived in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s, some end well, most don't. Still this story was worth being told, as it concerns one of the most foremost german childrens' authors, whose books have become classics. Emil und die Detektive, Pünktchen und Anton, Das fliegende Klassenzimmer, Das doppelte Lottchen - they have been devoured by generations of children, and their plots have been adapted for cinema many times and in many countries. Kästner's success as a childrens' author is closely connected to his general political stance as a pacifist and moralist, never feeling the need to hide from children the complex challenges of life.
Kästner is also one of the few authors who stayed in Germany after 1933, even though his books were forbidden and he faced the danger of being arrested by the Gestapo any day. In later years he has reflected about this difficult decision, not being quite sure if he had lived up to his own standards.
Herein lies the theme for this TV movie, and it is very well brought to life by exploring the relationship between Kästner and his No. 1 fan, the boy Hans Löhr, as well as his friendship with cartoonist Erich Ohser, also unforgotten in Germany for his "Father and Son" cartoon strips. Dorothee Schön's screenplay follows the well-known chronological path from the publishing of "Emil und die Detektive" to the film adaptation, then Hitler's grab for power in 1933, the burning of books organized by Nazi students, the repression of jewish inhabitants, the call to arms for both Kästner and his young friend, which forces them to finally part ways. Even though all these plot points are more or less foreseeable, the scenes and dialogue seem fresh and authentic.
Florian David Fitz plays Kästner in an understated, very natural way, only his hairline in this film does not look as natural as it should. The performances of Nico Ramon Kleemann and Jascha Baum, who play "little Dienstag" actor Hans Löhr at different ages, are simply heart rendering. I especially liked the group scenes, where the casting was perfect down to the smallest bit parts. The production brought all the elements well together. I am glad I was made aware of this film and that it is available for rent online.
It is easy to pass judgment on a period in history when you are watching from the distance. It is much harder to go through without knowing what is yet to come.
