Although you might haven’t heard of this black and white foreign drama, A Coffee In Berlin [aka Oh Boy] should be on your radar, and here’s why: it swept the 2013 German Academy Awards with six wins, including Best Film, Screenplay, Director, Actor and more. A first feature from director Jan Ole Gerster, A Coffee In Berlin appeals to all those who once felt lost and have pondered life’s bigger meanings, as well as those who understand and savor the importance of a good cup of coffee.
We’ve all been there- that point in our lives when we feel like the world is moving at a much faster pace than we are, or want to, keep up with. Some may call it “lazy,” others may choose to call it “uninspired.” Whatever the case, Niko (Tom Schilling- Before The Fall) is both. After a night of meaningless sex with his girlfriend, whom he seems disinterested in, Niko finds himself at his mandatory therapy appointment. After a quick and premature evaluation of his alcoholic tendencies & mental health, the doctor bans Niko from receiving his driver’s license, making him a slave to public transportation for the time being. From here, his day gets worse. His debit card won’t work, his father cuts off his allowance after realizing Niko hasn’t been attending school for the past two years, and everywhere he goes, he finds himself in socially awkward situations.
The dry humor in the film is subtle but effective- it’s easy to see why A Coffee In Berlin an academy favorite.
The film spans over the course of a single day in the life of our protagonist Niko. Every character he interacts with becomes another opportunity to display the script’s intelligent writing; cunning dialogue makes this story satirical and darkly humorous. His neighbor with a terrible case of TMI (too much information), confesses he hasn’t made love to his wife in five years. He blames her breast cancer for the getting in the way of his drive. Niko’s childhood classmate Julika (Friederike Kempter- Pandorum) resurfaces after many years, one hundred pounds lighter but still very insecure. The girl whom Niko once called “Roly Polly Julika” can’t hide her feelings towards Niko, and their relationship takes an unexpected turn over the course of the night.
Even in black and white, the city of Berlin seems electric and lively. For those who have the wanderlust itch, this film only propels the desire for exploration and adventure, portraying Berlin as a bustling cultural staple. The camerawork is not steady; the subtle shakiness of the shots add to the youthfulness of the character and the environment.
A Coffee In Berlin may have well been titled “Niko and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” This poor guy can’t catch a break- but it’s these series of unfortunate events that make him relatable to audiences. The dry humor in the film is subtle but effective- it’s easy to see why A Coffee In Berlin an academy favorite.
