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Jadup and Boel

Jadup and Boel (1988)

May 12, 1988 1h 40m Drama

In a small town, everyone has tried to forget what happened shortly after WWII. That is, until a stranger finds a book that Jadup (Kurt Böwe) gave to the young refugee Boel (Katrin Knappe), who resettled in the town over 30 years ago. Painful memories about Boel and the post-war period begin to surface and shake up the whole town. Boel vanished back then and nobody knew why. Word spread about a rape and some tried to blame a Russian soldier. Jadup, the town's respected and popular mayor, remembers, though, how he mistrusted Boel and did not help her through this difficult time; HE didn't even notice THAT Boel loved him. Jadup's confrontation with the past gives him a new, critical view of his current situation and surroundings.

Directed by Rainer Simon

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Rainer Simon
Writer
  • Rainer Simon
  • Paul Kanut Schäfer

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Jadup and Boel examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Rainer Simon brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1988, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Jadup and Boel took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 156 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 64 unique compositions.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
  • The costume department created over 374 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1988, when this film was released:
  • MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
  • Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: May 12, 1988
  • Runtime: 1h 40m

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