Based on the Novel "In Darkness" Shortlisted for the Booker Prize

Germany during World War II has been the setting for countless films. Amidst numerous works dealing with persecuted Jews, the ordinary people who saved them, and the fall of Nazi Germany, a new film emerges that explores the "aftermath" for Nazi officials' families, a story seldom told until now.



The film is directed and written by Austrian talent Kate Shortland. This is her first feature since her 2004 debut "The Journal of a Teenage Girl" (unreleased in Japan), which was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. Based on the novel "In Darkness," a finalist for the Booker Prize, the entire film is shot in German. Her skill in depicting the subtle emotions and growth of adolescent girls, highly praised in her previous work, is fully evident here as well.



The protagonist, 14-year-old Lore, who confronts a harsh fate, is powerfully portrayed by young German actress Saskia Rosendahl. Popular actor Kai Malina plays the mysterious Jewish youth Thomas, and other highly acclaimed German actors participate in the film.

Lore and Her Younger Siblings Embark on a Journey to Their Grandmother's House

Spring 1945, Germany. After the war, their father, a high-ranking SS official, and their mother are arrested by the Allied forces. Left behind with her younger siblings, 14-year-old Lore embarks on a journey across the country to reach her grandmother's home, 900 kilometers away.

However, in the chaos of post-war Germany, adults are cold to anyone associated with the Nazis, even children, and no one offers them a warm hand. Amidst this, a young Jewish man named Thomas, who helps Lore and her siblings, joins their journey. Lore's previously held values and identity begin to waver.—.



The film portrays the fact that perpetrators of war crimes, who are figures in world history, were also ordinary Germans with families. It also depicts the truth discovered by the "children of Hitler" at the end of their anxiety and fear. Through 14-year-old Lore's despair and struggle, the film highlights the excessively harsh fate imposed on the "children of Hitler" and the deep scars of war, posing questions to the audience.

"Goodbye, Adolf"
Opens Saturday, January 11th, at Cine Switch Ginza and other theaters nationwide

Director & Screenplay | Kate Shortland

Starring | Saskia Rosendahl, Kai Malina, Nele Trebs, Ursina Lardi

Distribution | Kino Films

2012 | Australia, Germany, UK | 109 min | PG12

http://sayonara-adolf.com



© 2012 Rohfilm GmbH, Lore Holdings Pty Limited, Screen Australia, Creative Scotland and Screen NSW.