Programme Notes: Two to One
Within a close-knit community united through their past and the pervasive unemployment of the area, Maren (Hüller, The Zone of Interest) spends her time learning French, whilst husband Robert (Max Riemelt, Berlin Syndrome) keeps watch of their rebellious, graffiti artist son Jannek.
After the reappearance of estranged Volker (Ronald Zehrfeld), the gang happen upon a mysterious underground storage facility hidden by the state, thanks to the access of Markowski (Peter Kurth). Uncovering a mountain of East German currency (swiftly written off as ‘waste paper’) on the eve of the D-Mark’s widespread circulation, the group of friends discover they have just days to declare their findings, until the currency becomes obsolete.
Grounded in the true story of The Halberstadt Case, in which the State Bank of the GDR ordered for the entire banknote stock to be buried in an underground tunnel system built by concentration camp workers in the Second World War, there were very few trials for those who broke in and stole the fortune. But the real number of daring opportunists who cashed in on the discovery is thought to be so much higher – hence the inspiration for this warm-hearted gem of a film!
The sophomore film from actor-turned-director Natja Brunckhorst (Christiane F), expanding upon a historical backdrop dilemma showcased within Good Bye Lenin, this spirited portrait of community recalls a German take on the lineage of British films grounded in working class history, from Brassed Off to The Full Monty, whilst film critic Peter Bradshaw described it as an Ealingesque venture.
Punctuated by a playful score by Amaury Laurent Bernier and Hannah von Hübbenet, which leans into its heist film setup, Two to One authentically conjures both the community spirit and the period detail of Germany in the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Arriving at the Tyneside courtesy of local distribution hero Tull Stories, who proudly showcase world cinema gems within their Joy of Cinema strand, having previously released the irresistible French nun comedy Oh My Goodness!, Two to One stands as another reminder of Hüller’s incredible gift and range as one of the leading actors in European cinema.
Next month, we have two life-affirming gems for Silver Screen – for one month only in the plush surroundings of the Classic! First up on 4th June, we have the highly-anticipated big-screen adaptation of Raynor Winn’s bestselling memoir The Salt Path. Showcasing the stunning coastline of Devon and Cornwall, and featuring emotionally resonant performances by Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, this is one not to miss!
Then, on the 11th June, we take a trip out to Wallis Island, the retreat of an eccentric millionaire, for the warm-hearted folk comedy-drama The Ballad of Wallis Island, starring Carey Mulligan alongside Tim Key and Tom Basden.