Babylon Berlin - The Greatest Production About Decaying Democracy, Set In 1930’s Germany.
Background
“Babylon Berlin” is a German neo-noir television series. It is created, written and directed by Tom Tykwer, Achim von Borries and Hendrik Handloegten, based on novels by German author Volker Kutscher. The series is set in Berlin during the latter years of the Weimar Republic, beginning in 1929. It follows Gereon Rath, a police inspector on assignment from Cologne who is on a secret mission to dismantle an extortion ring, and Charlotte Ritter, police clerk by day, flapper by night, who aspires to become a police inspector.
The entirety of the series stands as an enigmatic reverie, a mesmerizing journey that leads viewers through a peculiar blend of familiarity and disquieting nostalgia. It's akin to stepping into the hazy realm of half-remembered dreams from early years, juxtaposed against the poignant regrets accumulated over two decades. Each episode unfolds like a tapestry woven with intricate threads of the past, merging with the ineffable present to create a vivid yet ethereal landscape that defies simple definition.
In its unapologetic beauty, the show holds an irresistible allure, drawing audiences into its embrace like a mirage of times gone by. This evocative quality, almost hypnotic in nature, conjures emotions that dwell deep within our subconscious. It's an evanescent journey that beckons us to grapple with the boundaries between reality and fantasy, tapping into an elusive wellspring of half-remembered memories and emotions that seem to have faded into the recesses of time.
Critical Consensus
On Rotten Tomatoes the first season holds approval rating of 100% based on 30 reviews, with the critics consensus reading: "Babylon Berlin’s humor and humanity pair nicely with its hypnotic visuals, resulting in a show that dazzles within its oversaturated genre." As of April 2019, Babylon Berlin was the highest rated non-English language show on Sky TV. The show glamorizes the former glitzy gilded age of late 1920’s Germany and the effects of income inequality on political instability.
The Plot
A city in tumult, a metropolis gripped by upheaval. Across economy, culture, politics, and even the underworld, radical shifts are reshaping every facet of life. The foundations of the fledgling Weimar Republic are already eroding due to speculation and inflation. Amidst this backdrop, a stark contrast emerges between the escalating poverty and joblessness and the opulent revelries and boundless creative spirit that saturate the city's nightlife.
Enter Gereon Rath, a young police inspector hailing from Cologne. His transfer to Berlin is spurred by a pressing mission: unraveling a criminal operation involving a porno ring masterminded by the Berlin Mafia. What might appear as a straightforward extortion scheme quickly unveils a scandal that will irreversibly alter the trajectories of Gereon and those closest to him.
Joined by stenotypist Charlotte Ritter and his partner Bruno Wolter, Rath grapples with an intricate tapestry of corruption, narcotics trade, and illegal arms dealings. This convoluted labyrinth of crime thrusts him into an existential struggle, torn between his allegiance and his relentless pursuit of the truth. In this narrative, the boundaries between friend and foe blur, leaving us in perpetual uncertainty.
As the political turmoil stirred by May Day protests and the ascent of National Socialism ripples through the city, even the esteemed "Rote Burg," Berlin's police headquarters and a bastion of democracy and constitutional order, succumbs to the ever-encroaching transformation. The tale unravels against the backdrop of a democracy on the brink, inviting us to ponder who will emerge unscathed in a world teetering on the precipice of change.
The instability of the Weimar Republic
The Weimar Republic, born in the aftermath of World War I and the collapse of the German Empire, found itself navigating treacherous waters characterized by political turmoil, economic instability, and social upheaval. Strained by the burdens of war reparations, and economic collapse, the republic faced a precarious balance between far-right and far-left political factions, each vying for control. Amidst hyperinflation that rendered the currency practically worthless and skyrocketing unemployment rates, the German populace grappled with severe economic hardships. This tumultuous environment was fertile ground for extremist ideologies, such as the rise of the Nazi Party, and sparked political violence and social unrest. The fragility of the Weimar Republic was further underscored by a series of governments that struggled to form stable coalitions, resulting in weak leadership and an inability to address the nation's pressing challenges. Ultimately, the republic's instability created a breeding ground for dissatisfaction and disillusionment, paving the way for the authoritarian rule that would ultimately replace it.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, one of the show's co-creators, Tom Tykwer, spoke about the era: “At the time people did not realize how absolutely unstable this new construction of society which the Weimar Republic represented was. It interested us because the fragility of democracy has been put to the test quite profoundly in recent years... By 1929, new opportunities were arising. Women had more possibilities to take part in society, especially in the labour market as Berlin became crowded with new thinking, new art, theatre, music and journalistic writing." Nonetheless, Tykwer insisted that he and his co-directors were determined not to idealize the Weimar Republic. "People tend to forget that it was also a very rough era in German history. There was a lot of poverty, and people who had survived the war were suffering from a great deal of trauma."
Delving into the historical context of the era, it's crucial to recognize that the prevailing global sentiment prior to the outbreak of World War II was one of uncertainty and unawareness regarding the impending cataclysmic events.
The historical backdrop
The historical backdrop against which these events unfold showcases a pivotal period in the evolution of politics. In an era where many governments were transitioning from long-standing monarchies, the emergence of modern political landscapes was a groundbreaking phenomenon. The echoes of monarchy and its traditions still reverberated through societal structures, casting an intriguing light on the nascent forms of governance taking shape. This era marked a transition from centuries-old power structures to the fluid dynamics of politics, where individuals and factions navigated uncharted waters in their pursuit of influence and control.
Amid this transformation, the seeds of what we now recognize as "Fake News" began to germinate. Political tactics adopted during this time laid the groundwork for manipulation and misinformation, with politicians ingeniously utilizing the classification of opposing viewpoints as "false information" to undermine their rivals. This strategic labeling served as a pretext for discrediting alternative perspectives and consolidating power, showcasing an early iteration of tactics that have persisted through the ages.
The intrinsic value of truthful information during this period cannot be overstated. The series aptly captures how journalists of the time were operating on the frontline of disseminating accurate information, facing unprecedented scrutiny and adversity. Their lives became intertwined with the delicate balance between reporting facts and navigating treacherous political landscapes. The show underscores the high stakes for these journalists, who often found themselves in the crosshairs of violent retribution if their published work contradicted the beliefs or objectives of powerful political parties. This tumultuous environment paints a vivid picture of the courage and determination required to uphold journalistic integrity in the face of grave danger.
As a police inspector, Gereon Rath's character embodies the convergence of these various elements. His interactions with journalists, exposure to clues, and encounters with misleading information form a dynamic interplay that shapes his role as a law enforcement officer. The multifaceted nature of his experiences highlights the intricate web of politics, journalism, and law enforcement, each influencing and being influenced by the others. The show deftly portrays how these dimensions intersect and intertwine, ultimately weaving a rich tapestry that mirrors the complexity of the historical period.
Leading up to WW2
A retrospective analysis reveals that the vast majority of the world's citizens were largely oblivious to the staggering trajectory of events that would ultimately lead to the devastating war. The intricacies of the political landscape were in constant flux, with numerous ideologies and factions vying for supremacy. This intricate tapestry of power struggles created an atmosphere of anticipation and apprehension, where the outcome of these clashes remained shrouded in ambiguity. Unfortunately, the late 1930s witnessed the ascent of the National Socialist Party in Germany, casting an ominous shadow over the course of history.
Amid this tumultuous backdrop, the series "Babylon Berlin" artfully weaves a narrative that encapsulates the intricacies of this politically charged period. The central protagonist, a detective characterized by a degree of political neutrality, emerges as a compelling figure tasked with traversing a treacherous landscape fraught with landmines, political pitfalls, and multifaceted obstacles. His journey reflects the complexities of the time, where even remaining apolitical proves to be an arduous endeavor in a society increasingly polarized by fervent ideologies.
Set against the backdrop of Berlin, the show masterfully captures the volatility of the era, where a myriad of political factions vigorously contested for dominance. The city itself becomes a microcosm of political discord, as various groups, ranging from communists to fascists, vie for power within its boundaries. The multifaceted portrayal of this intense struggle for control is a testament to the show's commitment to historical accuracy and narrative depth. Each faction's aspirations, strategies, and alliances create a tapestry of intrigue that mirrors the multifarious real-world dynamics at play during this crucial period.
Underlying Ulterior Motives
As the show progresses the audience is exposed to the fact that Inspector Rath may also have his own private interests in mind as he investigates cases in Berlin. There is a lot of mystery surrounding where he is from, who he is related to, and who he answers to in his quest for truth and in his journey as a police investigator. For all instances in which his self interests are not involved, he does work to find the moral and honorable solution to whatever problem he or the crime scene victim faces. Working with colleagues, peers, enemies, and allies, Officer Rath is an incredibly intelligent and clever negotiator and problem solver. He does not however have a lack of faults, his time serving in WW1 has left him with a debilitating amount of PTSD and resorts to alcohol and drug abuse as a solution to his problems but is at least able to rely on his closest allies to help him in his time of need.
Volker Bruch, who plays Gereon Rath gives an extremely compelling performance that evokes serious empathy from the audience. The combat of WW1 was so devastating to the soldiers that fought in it giving combatants such high levels of PTSD that the effects of it can be seen all over Berlin at the time with some having even worse symptoms than Gereon. Being a non-local to Berlin makes the audience further sympathize with him as they explore Berlin and all of its glitz and glamor through his eyes. The chemistry he has with Charlotte Ritter, played by Liv Lisa Fries in the show is also extremely captivating as she tries to climb the hierarchy of the police agency along side him and as his confidant.
Conclusion
Amidst its dreamlike narrative, the series harbors shadows of the mysterious and the arcane. Its undercurrents of darkness seem to mirror the intricate dance of light and shadow within our own lives. However, the show's resonance extends beyond its aesthetic allure and mysterious tones. It deftly navigates the complexities of modern politics, casting a discerning eye on the fraying edges of contemporary democracy and the somber underpinnings of our shared global landscape. The series artfully draws parallels between the decay of societal structures and the deterioration of personal relationships, transcending the boundaries of time and space to render a thought-provoking commentary on the human condition.
Furthermore, the narrative's intrigue intertwines seamlessly with echoes of early European monetary policy, creating a multidimensional tapestry that bridges seemingly disparate realms. Through this, the show manages to weave together the macro and micro scales of existence, underscoring the delicate interplay between the grand tapestry of history and the intimate intricacies of individual lives.
In conclusion, the series emerges as a mesmerizing concoction, a rare blend of evocative aesthetics, cryptic narratives, and profound reflections on the currents of our world. Like an otherworldly reverie, it captures the viewer in a web of enchantment, conjuring a half-real, half-imagined realm that dances on the precipice of memory and reverie. Through its fusion of beauty, darkness, and relevance, it beckons us to confront our own complexities, evoking an intoxicating yet disquieting sense of déjà vu that lingers long after the final credits roll.
