The Legend of Paul and Paul

A contemporary review by Heinze Kersten published in the Tagesspiegel newspaper (from the second, western part of the city divided by a wall):

"According to Plenzdorf's own words, his latest film was preceded by the reputation of being either the 'first pornographic film of DEFA studio' or a 'socialist love story'. Despite nudity and great emotions, The Legend of Paul and Paul fortunately became neither one nor the other, but a completely unique and original film.

The authors chose the title 'Legend' because they wanted to tell their story 'as it is said it could have been, with all the speculation and exaggeration that almost inevitably arise', says Plenzdorf. Thus a romantic love story of our time – in folk tradition. It does not hide that class differences still exist in the GDR, and shows that old, dilapidated houses still stand in East Berlin, but must give way to new, modern apartment blocks.

A happy ending would be assured if the authors had not added another twist at the end of their story, which is meant to make viewers think once more – this too is a plus of this new DEFA studio film, which would not be what it is without Angelika Domröse. Since the end of March, performances in East Berlin have been almost always sold out."