A stylishly cool action, drama, and political spy-thriller, Deutschland 83 has enough to lure you in and keep you there, and that may be the problem for the show’s hero; Martin (Jonas Nay) who is unwittingly dragged into the world of espionage. But in playing a soldier on the other side, he may find himself more at home in his new environment than the one he left behind.
Set at the very height of the Cold War, Martin believes all the socialist propaganda of East Germany, priding himself on being a part of the country’s very fabrication – his youth and inexperience of the outside world there to see. However, when recruited to spy on his country’s neighbour, West Germany, and by posing as a young soldier called Moritz, he turns the job down because he can’t leave his family, it’s the one thing that rises above his sense of nationalism. But he’s made his first of many mistakes here, for he wasn’t being offered a choice and so Martin soon finds himself in West Germany playing the role of Moritz like his life depends on it – because it does.
Initially Martin tries to run away, but this new world is so different to what he knows – his running pace slowed down just by the view and array of brightly-coloured foods – the supermarkets back home looking nothing like this. The temptation to stay and spy for East Germany suddenly becomes more alluring, not to mention his government offers to help his family, but only if he does what they ask. Although, you have to wonder if the bigger sway was a chance at a different life – for in a scene where burgers are on offer he quickly grabs at the possibility of having another. This life may just offer a luxury he never knew he wanted.
However, there is one flaw to Martin as a spy; he’s very untrained and ill-prepared for the role, and despite being smart and a quick learner, he’s also clumsy and regularly leaves himself open to discovery – so much so that you have to wonder where his heart really lies, which is part of Deutschland 83’s appeal. You see his inner turmoil, his loyalty being questioned by everyday events and in the friendships and love interests he soon forms. His mind torn between what he will do, versus the demand of what he should do. The show quickly building Martin’s likability; for he’s kind, despairingly innocent, gets stressed under pressure, whilst also being keen to avoid doing anything wrong to either side, and in this you want him to be okay. Although in the show’s setting of history you know Germany will reunify, but still, what about Martin? And in this you’re hooked – a testament to the acting and writing of this series in building up the urgency, and the intimate setting of the show’s characters.
Apart from the main thread of being a spy-drama, there are also sub-plots about protests, differing minds, repression, and an exploration of sexuality when it was only just beginning its road to decriminalisation.
An unexpected and integral part of Deutschland 83 however is its music – it’s easy to imagine that James Gunn (director of the Guardians of the Galaxy films) would be inspired by these 1980s soundtracks. But more than just being catchy and foot-tapping, the music sets the pace of the narrative while telling you of what’s to come, and in some cases being an allegory to the surrounding atmosphere, such as when ‘99 Balloons’ is playing – a song about the apocalyptic consequences of over-reacting in the Cold War period, with the characters even commenting on it. At other points in the series the music covers moments of danger with tuneful beats that downplay the threat, but when the music (electric keyboard and synthesiser) stops, the threats suddenly become much more prominent.
Deutschland 83 also looks at the effect of whispers on both sides; through creating and escalating fear, to turning into a paranoia that dismisses any sound rationality. What’s poignant is that both sides worry about the release of bombs, with the East fearing annihilation and the West in bombing their own backdoor. In this series everyone is shown to have their worries, although both sides also have people trying to allay them. It’s like watching a ticking clock and a sleeping dog – will they manage to turn off the alarm before it wakes the dog and everything becomes irreversibly crazy? All the while not knowing that the sleeping dog actually wants to live a normal and peaceful life; listen to some excellent music, good food, freedom and enjoy its creature comforts.
But sit back and relax, you know it turns out all right, but does our hero? His dive into the candy-coloured world standing sharp against the muted and minimalist scenery of his home town. Cinematically captivating, every scene is like a studio-dressed image that sings of the times, while the dialogue and panic are well-exercised and never tire with its fears and hopes, but then neither will you. So sit back and watch the hysteria for its comedic brilliance, be drawn into the drama, while living out the dreams of being in a thriller as your world suddenly slips out from under your feet – it might just be a bumpy ride after all.
And if you haven’t had your fill by the end of Deutschland 83, there’s the sequels Deutschland 86 and 89 to keep you going.
Creator: Anna Winger
Other notable works:
- Deutschland 89 2020
- Unorthodox 2020
- Deutschland 86 2018
Creator: Jörg Winger
Other notable works:
- Deutschland 89 2020
- Hackerville 2018
- Deutschland 86 2018
