Essay Questions

What was the historical background during the time when the action int he film takes place?

From the first frame of the film, the director reveals the time frame when the actions take place, the year being 1975. The action takes place in West Germany, the part of Germany controlled by America, France and Great Britain. By that year, the West and the East were already divided by what is nowadays known as the "Berlin Wall" and the relationship between the two sides of Germany were extremely tense. This was largely the result of building tensions between the Russians which promoted socialism through whatever means possible and the Western powers which tried to bring democracy and a free social market. The powers controlling the two sides of Germany were in a constant state of fear, suspecting everyone who had opposing ideas of colluding with the enemy. This created a sentiment of distrust between the normal citizens and the political class on both sides of the country, with many innocent citizens being suspected of being spies and of being a threat.

Why were the inspectors interested in a quote they found in a book in Katharina's apartment?

The detectives found inside one of Katharina's books a piece of paper with a quote from Karl Marx. The reason why the inspectors were so shocked to find to quote and why they were worried is because of the ideas promoted by the writings of Karl Marx. When Karl Marx wrote his essays for the first time, he proposed an economic system which aimed to eliminate the difference between classes and introduce a system to promote equality. The governmental powers controlling the West side of Germany were suspicious of every person who may have shown every shred of interest towards any Marxist ideas or any communist ideas which may have make them want to fight against the Western ideas.

Why was Ludwig seen as a terrorist and is there any resemblance between real life and the event presented in the film?

Up until the end of the film, Ludwig was described times and times again as being a terrorist. The police officers used this argument to explain why they were hunting him and why they were so interested in anyone who may have had any form of contact at some point or another with him. Towards the end of the film, it is discovered Ludwig was not a terrorist but rather a deserter who fled from Bundeswehr, the German military. It is also suggested he may have stolen some money from the military but nothing to explain why he was perceived as a criminal. It is unclear why Ludwig was singled out as a terrorist but it may be he was used by his own country to put fear into the hearts of the people. Even so, this proves Ludwig was just another victim, similar to Katharina and that they were both used by their own country in cruel and immoral ways.