Peaceful Times (PG)

Irene and Dieter have fled 60s East Berlin with their three children for a better life in the West. The arrestingly odd Peaceful Times provides a comic, child’s-eye view of the serious difficulties that ensue. Irene can’t shake the Eastern Bloc mindset, craving conformity and living in constant dread of catastrophe in general and a Russian military invasion in particular. As seen by her two matter-of-fact little girls (and as expertly played by Katharina Schubert) she’s a lovely, mesmerizing bundle of nerves – and something of a responsibility. Dad Dieter meanwhile is crazy for swinging Western ways. Observing the growing rift, their two little girls plan the divorce – another novel freedom – they believe will make everyone happier. Based on a popular book, this is an eccentric, touching addition to the rich cine-literature of lives disrupted and defined by the Wall.