One of the more unusual films to emerge from East Germany, this 1980 offering focuses on a somewhat unexpected showbiz storyline (at least in a Communist-era movie). Sunny is a young rural woman who arrives in East Berlin with dreams of becoming a singer. Although stardom proves elusive, Sunny is at least able to secure work, albeit in a dismal variety show seen by mostly unappreciative audiences. Sunny is even less successful in finding a soul mate, until a collaborative effort with a would-be jazz musician provides an opportunity to raise her career to the next level. As Sunny, Renate Krössner is a striking presence, but while the film's basic plot may suggest countless old-fashioned Hollywood musicals, director Konrad Wolf laces his work with an acidic, often bitter note, alienating the viewer long before the closing credits. Like many East German films, Solo Sunny can be read as a thinly-disguised slam against a crumbling, failed repressive state. DVD extras include the featurette “Looking for Konrad Wolf and Solo Sunny.” Larger German cinema collections will want to add, but this is optional elsewhere. (P. Hall)
Solo Sunny
First Run, 102 min., in German w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $24.95 October 27, 2008
Solo Sunny
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