Westwind

Westwind

Robert Thalheim, 2011, 89’

Based on a true story, “Westwind,” just like “Barbara,” is a story of escape from East to West. 17-year-old twins Isabel and Doreen are two promising athletes. They aim to successfully represent their country East Germany in the rowing races. They go to a summer camp in Hungary to train but they are enticed by three young men from West Germany they meet on the way. When Doreen falls in love with one of them and decides to escape to the West with him, the bond between the two until then inseparable girls is tested. When treating of summer loves we know from youth films, and also of friendship and sibling relationships, “Westwind” makes plentiful use of songs by groups such as Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Camouflage to reflect the atmosphere of the period.