The Edukators (2005)

Best friends Jan (Daniel Brühl) and Peter (Stipe Erceg) are a couple of radical idealists who like to strike fear in the minds of Germany’s elite. Their unorthodox duo break into mansions, rearrange things and leave messages warning on the pitfalls of wealth signed by ‘The Edukators’. Enter Peter’s disillusioned girlfriend Jule (Julia Jentsch) who joins Jan on this adventures while Peter is away. All goes well until she leaves her phone at the home of a businessman who, incidentally, is also the man who is causing said disillusionment. Unexpected events call for improvising with the most unexpected of results.

The Edukators strikes the perfect balance between ideology and believability making for a subtle thought-provoking drama. The simplicity of it all is disarming thanks, in part, to the fantastic cast. The three leads—just kids—are struggling to make sense of their ideals and a world in which they don’t fit. Brühl as Jan is perfectly moody, confused, and passionate. In contrast is Peter, who suffers Jan’s moods for the rush of it all.

The cinematography is also of note. The Edukators meanders a bit before the director refocuses, creating unlikely symbolism in the juxataposition of desparity.  The film's climax, in retrospect, I should have seen coming.  But I think it speaks to the film's success all the same.

As I see it, The Edukators is another foreign gem that makes me loathe current American cinema. Why can’t we get quality drama like this at home? The film is artistic, entertaining, and thoughtful. No, it won’t probably won't make you a better person for seeing, but The Edukators will certainly be remembered.