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Novel "Sun and Concrete" by Felix LobrechtFeatured on RTL Television

Scorching Summer of 2003 in Berlin-Gropiusstadt: Residents, primarily comprising of gang members or their victims, such as Lukas, Gino, and Julius, face hardships, including the absence of a functional swimming pool due to financial constraints.

"RTL's adaptation of Felix Lobrecht's novel, titled 'Sun and Concrete'"
"RTL's adaptation of Felix Lobrecht's novel, titled 'Sun and Concrete'"

Novel "Sun and Concrete" by Felix LobrechtFeatured on RTL Television

In the heart of Berlin's Neukölln district lies the Gropiusstadt neighborhood, where the film adaptation of Felix Lobrecht's acclaimed novel "Sonne und Beton" is set. This coming-of-age drama, released in German cinemas in 2023, offers a raw and authentic portrayal of adolescence in a gritty urban environment.

Lukas, a character in the novel, finds himself in a predicament when he is denied entry to his school due to forgetting his ID. This is just one of many challenges the story explores, delving into themes of youth, urban hardship, friendship, and the struggle for identity amid difficult socioeconomic conditions.

Felix Lobrecht, known primarily as a podcast host ("Gemischtes Hack") and comedian, chose the offer for the film adaptation because he felt it would result in the most uncompromising film. The narrative centers on the experiences of young people navigating their lives at the intersection of crime, social pressure, and personal growth, drawing heavily from Lobrecht's own upbringing and perspective as a comedian and writer.

The film adaptation brings back the early 2000s with elements like Cherry Coke, push-button phones, and footage from the time of former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. It also depicts scenes similar to those in the novel, such as Lukas meeting other boys and getting beaten up in the park.

Jörg Hartmann plays Lukas' father Matthias in the film. Matthias, a character known for his contentment in starting work as a janitor at the university and love for reading the newspaper, often repeats the phrase, "The wise one gives in." His older brother, on the other hand, lives by the motto, "The wise one kicks back."

"Sonne und Beton" is not just a story of four boys growing up in a tough neighborhood. It's a societal panorama that encourages reflection on social justice and the self-perpetuation of violence. The film covers dysfunctional families, aimless men, high-rise slums, backroom deals, and various people.

In 2023, the story from "Sonne und Beton" was adapted into a film that received several nominations at the Lolas (German Film Awards) for Best Feature Film, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Sound Design. While it did not win in those categories, the film is expected to pack a punch.

The film adaptation of "Sonne und Beton" will be shown on RTL this Sunday (August 3) at 8:15 PM. Lines like "Have you looked in the mirror? Your whole face is a mess" are used in the film, adding to its raw and authentic portrayal of urban life.

Felix Lobrecht's novel "Sonne und Beton" was a bestseller, and the film adaptation is a testament to his ability to create compelling and relatable characters and stories. Whether you're a fan of coming-of-age dramas or looking for a gritty portrayal of urban life, "Sonne und Beton" is a must-watch.

[1] Source: https://www.spiegel.de/kultur/filmtipps/sonne-und-beton-film-adaption-des-bestsellers-von-felix-lobrecht-a-e9d5f90a-d0c1-4113-a6f3-3881b88e4211

This article is a news piece about the film adaptation of Felix Lobrecht's novel "Sonne und Beton." It provides an overview of the story, its setting, themes, and the film's reception. The article is written in a straightforward and approachable style, making it accessible to a general audience.

Movies-and-tv enthusiasts might want to tune in to RTL this Sunday at 8:15 PM for the compelling coming-of-age drama, "Sonne und Beton", a gritty portrayal of urban life that draws inspiration from Felix Lobrecht's bestselling novel of the same name. This film, set in Berlin's Gropiusstadt neighborhood, delves into themes of youth, urban hardship, friendship, and identity amid difficult socioeconomic conditions.

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