BERLINALE SPECIAL 2023 

Several virtues of violent fun can be found in this belated dive into all things badass. There’s Wnendt’s energetic handling of the images (quite gorgeously lensed by DoP Jieun Yi) and sound (packed with hard-hitting German hip-hop), keeping up its breakneck pace from literally the first to the last frame. There’s the entire ensemble, from the four charismatic leading youngsters – all of them first-timers – to various rappers of local prominence playing hoodlums, and on to a selection of big-name talent in the adult roles, who all handle their parts with brio. Not least, there’s the area itself, relentlessly captured on location – concrete, sun and all – which is very much the main character.

Cineuropa