In 1929 Berlin, the struggling masses just can't get a break. Not only are the brutal sufferings of WWI still visible in the scars and memories of those fighting in it, but Germany had recently experienced the hyper inflation of 1923, driving millions into dire poverty. Young people wanted to escape reality by living it up in the "anything goes" night clubs, or wheeling and dealing for some extra activities in the discreet "upstairs" rooms.
The political winds were getting forceful, with Communists and Nazis fighting for power. Corrupt police and politicians played both sides against one another. The hero, mysterious vice cop (with an apparent morphine addiction) on a secret mission, joins forces with a street smart yet compassionate "Gal Friday"; both refuse to give up hope for a better future for the people of this socially plagued city.
The closing theme song is established at the end of episode 2. It's a haunting song by another mysterious character, sung in German with a thick Russian accent. Throughout the series the song is woven into the closing titles, even as other period Jazz music is included in the score. This series is a masterpiece of drama! Some may be put off by many violent scenes, but because these do contribute to the plot, they are not gratuitous. The overall production values are mesmerizing. As a native to Berlin, I am very much impressed by the realism. "Cabaret" gave similar descriptions of the rough life ca. 1930. "Babylon Berlin" offers a sustained, chilling experience no other period piece could match. This is historical fiction of the highest quality!
The political winds were getting forceful, with Communists and Nazis fighting for power. Corrupt police and politicians played both sides against one another. The hero, mysterious vice cop (with an apparent morphine addiction) on a secret mission, joins forces with a street smart yet compassionate "Gal Friday"; both refuse to give up hope for a better future for the people of this socially plagued city.
The closing theme song is established at the end of episode 2. It's a haunting song by another mysterious character, sung in German with a thick Russian accent. Throughout the series the song is woven into the closing titles, even as other period Jazz music is included in the score. This series is a masterpiece of drama! Some may be put off by many violent scenes, but because these do contribute to the plot, they are not gratuitous. The overall production values are mesmerizing. As a native to Berlin, I am very much impressed by the realism. "Cabaret" gave similar descriptions of the rough life ca. 1930. "Babylon Berlin" offers a sustained, chilling experience no other period piece could match. This is historical fiction of the highest quality!