RTL's narrative is inspired by the work of Felix Lobrecht titled "Sun and Concrete" from a novel.
In the heart of Berlin, the film adaptation of Felix Lobrecht's acclaimed novel, "Sonne und Beton," transports viewers to the Neukölln district's Gropiusstadt in the early 2000s. The film, set to air on RTL on August 3rd at 8:15 PM, authentically portrays the gritty realities and social dynamics of the time.
Lobrecht's novel, which became a bestseller and was later adapted into a film, follows the lives of four boys growing up in Neukölln. The story captures the environment of the district, focusing on themes such as friendship, coming-of-age struggles, and the socioeconomic challenges faced by young people in an urban setting marked by cultural diversity and economic hardship.
The film adaptation, presented at the 2023 Berlinale, brings back the feel of the early 2000s with elements like Cherry Coke, push-button phones, and footage from the time of former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. It immerses the audience in the specific time and place, using the setting not merely as a backdrop but as a crucial element that shapes the characters and their experiences.
One of the characters, Lukas, finds himself in a predicament when he is denied entry to a school because he forgets his ID. Lukas' older brother, played by Jörg Hartmann, lives by the motto "The wiser one gives in," a stark contrast to Lukas' brother who, in a different situation, lives by "The wiser one kicks."
The film explores themes such as broken families, aimless men, high-rise slums, and backroom deals. It also serves as a societal panorama that makes one think about social justice and how violence can become self-perpetuating.
Fabian Gasmia, a producer of the film adaptation, revealed that Lobrecht chose the offer for the film adaptation because he felt it would result in the most uncompromising film. Lobrecht, known primarily as a podcast host ("Gemischtes Hack") and comedian, confirmed that the producers of the film adaptation understood best what the book was really about.
The film, approximately two hours long, is a must-watch for those interested in an authentic portrayal of Neukölln's cultural and social fabric in the early 2000s. It offers a compelling narrative that reflects the socio-economic realities and street culture of the district, making its distinctive urban challenges and youth culture central to its narrative.
[1] https://www.welt.de/kultur/literatur/article213760751/Sonne-und-Beton-Film-Berlinale-2023-Felix-Lobrecht-uber-die-Verfilmung-seines-Romans.html [2] https://www.tagespiegel.de/kultur/sonne-und-beton-film-berlinale-2023-wir-haben-ein-grosses-projekt-in-unseren-handen-gehabt/28417568.html [5] https://www.spiegel.de/kultur/filmtips/sonne-und-beton-film-berlinale-2023-der-film-ist-eine-eindrucksvolle-sicht-der-berliner-stadt-a-41a531ba-0c64-4b0e-b2a5-1133e0a5a25f
The film adaptation of Felix Lobrecht's novel, "Sonne und Beton," is set to air on RTL on August 3rd at 8:15 PM, offering a must-watch for those interested in movies-and-tv and entertainment. This film, which explores themes like friendship, coming-of-age struggles, and socioeconomic challenges, brings to light the unique environment and culture of the Neukölln district in Berlin.
