After the fall of the Nazi war machine in 1945, the Americans, Soviets, and other Allied powers began dividing up Germany, deciding who would control various parts of the country during its reconstruction. While notable cities like Berlin were famously split in two, lesser-known villages also experienced similar divisions. One such place was Mödlareuth, a small farming community that straddled the border of Bavaria and Thuringia. Little Berlin offers a comic retelling of Cold War history, centering on a bull separated from his cows. Peter the Bull often stands and stares at the wall keeping him from his herd, pondering the irony of democratic rain nourishing Soviet grass and lamenting his inability to freely spread his seed. Though Peter manages to send his sperm across the border via an elaborate system of security checks—ensuring his legacy continues on the other side—he never gets to see the cows he loves or the calves they bear.
Little Berlin will appeal primarily to those who enjoy short films with a narrative focus. It is first and foremost a story, with plot taking precedence over historical depth. As someone who expected a bit more documentary weight from a Good Docs release, I found that a slight letdown—but taken for what it is, the film is fairly entertaining. The humor leans juvenile at times, especially in its fixation on bovine anatomy, which may not be to every viewer’s taste. Still, it features some creative cinematography and an amusingly offbeat premise. While it may find limited use in classrooms—perhaps as a lighthearted introduction to Cold War history or the symbolism of the Berlin Wall—its strongest appeal will be in public library collections that include comic short films. Christoph Waltz’s voice work adds a touch of star power that will certainly help attract viewers. Recommended.
What academic subject can use this Cold War satire short film in the classroom?
Little Berlin offers a humorous gateway into Cold War studies, making it ideal for use in History, European Studies, Political Science, and Media Literacy courses. Instructors can leverage its absurdist allegory to spark conversations about the Berlin Wall, East vs. West Germany, and post-WWII geopolitics, helping students reflect on the human consequences of ideological divides. It’s also a creative way to introduce students to the use of animation and satire in historical storytelling.
Why is Little Berlin a unique short film for public library and film study collections?
This Cold War allegory—voiced by Christoph Waltz—delivers accessible humor with an undercurrent of political commentary. At under 15 minutes, it’s perfect for film programs, short film collections, and European history shelves in public and academic libraries. Little Berlin also pairs well with materials on Cold War-era Germany, animated political satire, and the Berlin Wall in media, offering a light yet clever supplement to more traditional historical content.
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