The Edukators review

Jan (Daniel Bruhl) and Peter (Stipe Erceq) are two young German students who share a flat, a healthy disregard for globalisation, and a big secret. As well as getting involved in the usual protests against slave wages in the Third World, the two young dreamers carry out their own form of unique direct action. Thanks to Peter's job as an alarm installer they have access to some of the wealthiest houses in Berlin, and when the house owners are away, Jan and Peter break in, re-arrange their furniture and leave potent messages along the lines of 'You have too much money' for the unsuspecting inhabitants to find upon their return.

Their success as underground and peaceful terrorists is put to the test when Peter's girlfriend Jule (Jula Jentsch) moves into their apartment. Jan worries that she will destabilise their operation, but also finds himself attracted to her. When Peter takes a holiday, the remaining flatmates find they have a lot in common, and over a joint and a bowl of pasta, they begin to fall for each other. Desperate to impress, Jan tells Jule about his secret life and she begs him to take her on a mission. He does so, but the consequences are disastrous for all three.

Hans Weingartner's film has already been a huge success in Germany and on the international festival scene and it's easy to see why. This is a gripping, thought-provoking and often amusing piece, with a terrific script, moody camerawork, and spot-on performances by its leading actors. The opening scene, one of many in which we see the boys' handiwork, sets the tone, as an upper class family returns to find their sumptuous house turned upside down in a most unusual manner. Later, when we join the duo on their outings, the combination of sound and vision turns what seems like a simple breaking and entering job into thrilling and dangerous journey.

About halfway through the film there is a twist which is unsuspected by both the audience and protagonists and which turns the film on its head. Through this device, we are able to examine the students' motives and discover whether they are inspired by the flush of young idealism, or if something deeper encourages them. It's skillfully written, delightfully played and takes an already enjoyable and provocative tale into another dimension.

British audiences may be familiar with Daniel Bruhl, as his last film Goodbye Lenin! broke box office records here for a European film. Starring in another movie that has universal appeal thanks to a unique and fascinating story, the chances are that he could well make it two out of two with this latest work.

Paul Hurley