Fatih Akin Made One of the Most Disturbing Films of 2019 – Now He's Back With a 98%-Rated Postwar Drama

Seven years ago, German director Fatih Akin shocked us with The Golden Glove – a repulsive, visceral, and uncompromising thriller about a serial killer that left viewers feeling the need to shower the moment the credits rolled.

Recently, Akin returned with a completely different kind of film: Amrum is a tender, delicate, and surprisingly heartwarming postwar drama.

Instead of sensationalism and graphic violence, we are treated to a classic historical movie about childhood, hope, and the choices we make.

What Is 'Amrum' About?

On April 30, 1945, the German radio station solemnly announced the death of Adolf Hitler. At that very moment, Hille Hagener went into labor and gave birth to a baby brother for her eldest son, Nanning.

Hille fell into a deep postpartum depression and told the boy that she wanted only one thing: white bread with butter and honey for breakfast. All three ingredients were virtually impossible to obtain on Amrum, a place cut off from civilization and prone to tidal flooding.

Nevertheless, nine-year-old Nanning resolves to fulfill his mother's wish at any cost. To do so, he must win the trust of a diverse array of islanders, ranging from anti-Nazi resistance members to his pro-Nazi uncle.

'Amrum' Is an Incredibly Delicate Movie That Does Not Judge Its Characters

Fatih Akin appears unusually restrained in Amrum – he makes little effort to shock the viewers, instead crafting a film that feels like a classic historical drama. However, that is not the whole story – Akin draws in unsuspecting viewers to explore a deeply personal theme: the nature of morality.

Periodically interspersed throughout the story of Nanning's journey are observational shots of local wildlife: birds, insects, and mammals eating, mating, and dying. The cycle of life appears so natural that any talk of human morality seems superficial.

Akin's philosophy rejects the notion of a higher morality or a universal judge. Despite having Nazi parents, Nanning remains untainted by ideology – he is an intelligent boy who navigates and adapts to the reality around him on his own terms.

In 'Amrum', the Director Expresses His Belief in Freedom of Choice & the Absence of a Higher Morality

Amrum engages with the cultural aftermath of World War II, specifically the nihilistic and decadent notions about the end of culture and civilization.

Contrary to these ideas, Akin does not propose a grand societal rebirth. Instead, he asserts a more modest – and perhaps more realistic – idea: no world-altering renewal has actually occurred, it's all just empty rhetoric. People simply continue living as they always have, shaping their futures day by day.

Nanning does not become a hero in the traditional sense. He simply remains himself – a child who loves his mother and would do anything for her. Amrum's true strength lies in this simplicity, devoid of grandiosity or false heroics.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Amrum'?

• Amrum has 98% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.2/10.

• On Letterboxd, Amrum scored 3.4/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Amrum'?

Amrum is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.