Novel "Sun and Concrete" by Felix Lobrecht airs on RTL channel
In the heart of Berlin's Neukölln district, Gropiusstadt serves as the backdrop for Felix Lobrecht's bestselling novel, "Sonne und Beton". The novel, which offers a societal panorama that challenges viewers to ponder social justice and the self-perpetuating nature of violence, has been adapted into a film set to premiere on RTL on August 3rd, 2023, at 8:15 PM.
Lobrecht, a renowned podcast host ("Gemischtes Hack") and comedian, has seen great success with this adaptation, even catching the attention of the New York Times. The film features Jörg Hartmann as Matthias, Lukas' father, and recreates the feel of the early 2000s with elements such as Cherry Coke, push-button phones, and footage from the time of former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder.
The story revolves around Lukas, a character in Lobrecht's novel, who encounters other boys and gets beaten up in the park. His older brother, on the other hand, lives by the motto "The wise one kicks back." Matthias, played by Hartmann, is a character who loves reading the newspaper and often says, "The wise one yields."
The film spans over a duration of two hours and boasts four young actors in leading roles. The dialogue is raw and honest, with lines like "Have you looked in the mirror? Your whole face is messed up."
If you missed the theatrical release, don't worry! You can catch the movie at the Freiluftkino Insel open-air cinema event on August 14, 2025, or consider buying the DVD which was available from mid-July 2025. The IMDb page contains a trailer if you'd like a preview before watching.
Lobrecht chose the offer for the film adaptation of "Sonne und Beton" because he felt they would make the most uncompromising film, and it seems he was right. The film has been distributed in theaters in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark in 2023 by Constantin Film and partners. It's a must-watch for fans of Lobrecht's work and anyone interested in a gritty, realistic portrayal of life in Berlin during the early 2000s.
In the family setting of Gropiusstadt, Berlin's Neukölln district, the film adaptation of Felix Lobrecht's novel, "Sonne und Beton," offers a portrayal of societal dynamics that extends beyond the screen, inviting viewers to contemplate social justice and violence. This cinematic entertainment, featuring Jörg Hartmann as Matthias, offers an engaging experience, as it delves into the realms of movies-and-tv and offers a raw, honest dialogue.
