AND ALONG COME TOURISTS is a sensitive film by Robert Thalheim that deals with the complex issues of coming to terms with the past and human interaction. The film follows the young German Sven, played by Alexander Fehling, who is doing his community service at the Auschwitz memorial site and is confronted with both his own history and the historical burden of the place. Sven's relationship with concentration camp survivor Stanisław Krzemiński, played by Ryszard Ronczewski, forms the emotional center of the film. Their initially difficult relationship develops slowly, and through their shared experiences, Sven begins to understand the importance of his work and the depth of Krzemiński's experiences. This personal development contrasts with his romance with Ania, a young interpreter who offers him a perspective outside of his difficult past. Critics praise the film for its sensitive approach to a difficult subject without lapsing into sentimentality or dramatic exaggeration. Ronczewski delivers a powerful performance as a man whose life is inextricably linked to the history he can never leave behind. AND ALONG COME TOURISTS avoids clichéd portrayals and instead offers a realistic and profound examination of German-Polish relations, dealing with the past and the meaning of places of remembrance. The film, inspired by Thalheim's own experiences, looks at the ongoing challenge of coming to terms with a difficult past without losing hope of reconciliation and understanding.
Drama, Independent
1h 25min
16+
DE
EN
DE
In the shadow of Auschwitz, a touching story of reconciliation takes place between a young German and a concentration camp survivor.
AND ALONG COME TOURISTS is a sensitive film by Robert Thalheim that deals with the complex issues of coming to terms with the past and human interaction. The film follows the young German Sven, played by Alexander Fehling, who is doing his community service at the Auschwitz memorial site and is confronted with both his own history and the historical burden of the place.
Sven's relationship with concentration camp survivor Stanisław Krzemiński, played by Ryszard Ronczewski, forms the emotional center of the film. Their initially difficult relationship develops slowly, and through their shared experiences, Sven begins to understand the importance of his work and the depth of Krzemiński's experiences. This personal development contrasts with his romance with Ania, a young interpreter who offers him a perspective outside of his difficult past.
Critics praise the film for its sensitive approach to a difficult subject without lapsing into sentimentality or dramatic exaggeration. Ronczewski delivers a powerful performance as a man whose life is inextricably linked to the history he can never leave behind.
AND ALONG COME TOURISTS avoids clichéd portrayals and instead offers a realistic and profound examination of German-Polish relations, dealing with the past and the meaning of places of remembrance. The film, inspired by Thalheim's own experiences, looks at the ongoing challenge of coming to terms with a difficult past without losing hope of reconciliation and understanding.