Good Bye, Lenin! (2003)

Alexander Kerner (Daniel Brühl) has a problem in the black comedy Good Bye, Lenin! (2003). His mother Christiane (Katrin Sass) was in a coma for eight months. As such, she missed seeing the Berlin Wall (along with the entity that was East Germany) fall in early November of 1989. When she awakens, she is unaware of the change. And since Christiane is a vehement supporter of communism, the news will devastate her. Fearing her weak heart is susceptible to an attack that could put her into another coma (or worse), the doctors (Eberhard Kirchberg and Hans-Uwe Bauer) give Alex strict directions to keep his mom from getting upset at any cost. In other words, the sweet son must recreate a world where East Germany still exists — at least in their apartment. Needless to say, this flick is more poignant than it is political. No wonder it was named Best Fiction Film at the German Film Awards. Although heartfelt and humorous, the movie’s set up was actually inspired by real events. During the final years of Vladimir Lenin’s life, Joseph Stalin gave him faux newspapers in an effort not to worsen Lenin’s concerns about the altered political environment. Even though this is a fascinating tale, we’re more fascinated by Alexander Beyer’s tail! While playing Rainer, we’re playing with ourselves since the skintastic actor’s revealing role shows off his acting chops — as well as his bare back, sack and shaft thanks to a mishap with the blinds. Good Bye, Lenin! Hello, Hard-on!