‘Mit der Faust in die Welt schlagen’ Premieres in Görlitz, Highlighting Post-Reunification Struggles

Constanze Klaue's debut film, based on Lukas Rietzschel's novel, explores the societal and familial challenges of growing up in East Germany after reunification, with a focus on minimalist storytelling and local experiences.

The film, directed by Constanze Klaue, premiered in Görlitz and is now available in cinemas, marking its release to a wider audience after prior festival acclaim.
Set in the Saxon province during the 2000s and 2010s, it follows two brothers navigating a fractured society shaped by economic instability and the rise of right-wing extremism.
The narrative emphasizes the generational impact of reunification, showing how parental disorientation and shame were passed down to their children.
Employing a minimalist and atmospheric approach, the film uses symbolic moments to portray local experiences, avoiding overt political commentary or direct references to major historical events.
Praised for its nuanced depiction of East German life, the film avoids stereotypes and highlights themes of neglect, emotional distance, and the loss of authority in post-reunification society.