We Are Young. We Are Strong

We Are Young. We Are Strong is a historically grounded, socially charged German film from 2014 that vividly confronts one of the darkest episodes in Germany's recent past. Directed by Burhan Qurbani, the film stars Jonas Nay, Trang Le Hong and Devid Striesow and lays bare the events that led to the notable riots in Rostock, Germany in 1992.

The movie adeptly transports the audience to a period when Germany was struggling with its re-unification hangover following the fall of the Berlin Wall. It carefully explores the complexities of youth, patriotism, poverty, quest for social identification, xenophobia and racial violence, all through a well-woven, interlaced narrative.

Jonas Nay plays Stefan, the son of the local politician Martin (Devid Striesow), who gets entangled in the brewing xenophobic violence. Nay's portrayal of the rebellious, yet inwardly conflicted Stefan offers a rich, nuanced insight into the psyche of youth caught in such turbulent times. Devid Striesow, as the aloof Martin, competently embodies the character of a man torn between his political ambition and the welfare of his own son. The tension between father and son adds another layer of intensity to the plot.

Trang Le Hong is remarkable as Lien, one of the many Vietnamese immigrants living in the Rostock apartments, who finds herself caught amidst the aggression. Her performance provides the audience with a glaring image of the migrant experience, where merely existing can become a daily struggle.

The narrative takes place over a single day, leading up to the infamous Rostock riots in which an apartment housing immigrant Vietnamese workers was burned by an angry mob, while thousands of spectators watched. The movie does not shy away from portraying the horrifying violence of those grim hours. However, it is not sensationalized - it is used as a mirror for the audience, provoking them to reflect on the sociopolitical parallels in modern society.

Visually, We Are Young. We Are Strong, impresses with its black-and-white cinematography bringing a raw and gritty appearance to the screen that vividly captures the tension, bitterness and apprehension of the day. It's also a clever move, deliberately eliminating one aspect of difference – color.

With its dynamic theater-like staging and cathartic storytelling, the film bridges the gap between individual storylines and collective experiences, transforming a specific historical event into a timeless, universal concern. While it delves into the grisly truth of a society overwhelmed by hatred and division, it also subtly presents glimpses of humanity and empathy under extreme circumstances.

Qurbani's insightful direction and the brilliant cast - led by Nay, Striesow and Hong - bring out the contradictory emotions and intense social dynamics of this ill-fated day. The raw emotions in their portrayals reveal the ambivalence of each character, caught in the crossfire of societal pressure, individual fear, and misplaced nationalism.

We Are Young. We Are Strong is a clear departure from the typical dramas, bringing to life a riveting narrative that does more than just entertain. Its exploration of an overshadowed part of Germany’s recent history, broached in an out and out German context, makes it an invaluable cinematic piece that is both thought-provoking and profoundly moving.

The film is hard-hitting and leaves a strong impact, raising questions about the factors that drive collective mob mentality, and why history seems destined to repeat itself, especially when it comes to xenophobia and racism. It implores its viewers to reflect, to question and to remember.

By interweaving personal narratives with social commentary and historical events, the film presents a deep, unsettling, and authentic exploration of an anguished time in contemporary German history, common to a universal audience. With its stark depiction of collective violence and the human stories within, We Are Young. We Are Strong stands out as an important cinematic document that holds the terrifying potential to reflect modern societal issues.

In conclusion, We Are Young. We Are Strong is a powerful, gripping and altogether human drama that continues to be relevant today. It's a movie that continues to haunt long after the end credits roll, warning of the damage society can inflict when fear and prejudice are allowed to take control.