Deutschland 83

It is exaggerated, it is pretty dramatic. But thats what we usually expect today. On the other hand it were pretty dramatic times, the cold war was no fun at all even if we might think so today. This is what happens if you do not communicate.

For me personally it's one of the best German TV shows of the last decades - speaking as a German. Our movies and TV shows are usually totally crap (especially today I would say). American readers might think that's a sad fact that is also true for American productions, but believe me, it's not the same. But that's a different topic.

The series has its weaknesses, sometimes its pretty much a cliché but don't forget it's a comprehension of these times, it's not a documentary, it's a drama series. And there were in fact a lot of stubborn and blind people in high-rank positions, who even thought they were „smarter" than anyone else.

I've been born in West Germany. 1983 I was just 7/8 years old and I do remember that my father (a teacher) was somehow upset at this time. I didn't understand the whole stuff, the TV was sometimes full of it, but this made me grow up with the idea that the whole world is pretty close to destroy itself in an instant. Strange times - I hadn't really a clue what was happening and was watching and doing a lot of different stuff. Geez, I was a kid, kids are always optimistic although I did have one or another nightmare of „some big war". The American culture had a deep and massive influence on Western Germany at this time, I do remember this quite well and it's not so obvious in this show but it's still noticeable. Like the GDR was under massive influence of the soviet union. Till today it's burned into my brain, indelibly. (Keep this is mind if you're an American and talk to Germans today - this whole cold war thing has pretty much messed up everything in the aftermath - till today.)

But I'm loosing my point. For me the series captures the feeling in Germany at this time pretty well, the characters are spot on, the actors do an awesome job, they really feel „80s style", only the budget limit obviously stopped it from being better overall. But for this it's pretty impressive and for German standards pretty brave. It could have a bit more teeth but not to much since it's fairly trying to find a balance without punching into faces, it gives both sides a fair share of the story. We are smarter today - aren't we?

Kudos to the producers, the writer, the director and the actors. Great job, it's a remarkable show I really wish it would go on and become even better. It were pretty difficult times but I believe Germany today is in an even more delicate situation and this story is not over yet. Unfortunately.

My Brother was is W. Berlin from 1980 to 1983. I was in Kitzingen, Germany from 1984 to 1987. This show is true to the look, feel and emotions of the Cold War at that time. The emotional and psychological tug of Cold War was palpable during the 80's with every step one took, and this show, somehow, surprisingly brings those feelings and emotions down to the minutest detail alive again. The U.S. and the Soviet Union were preparing for war, and the Fulda Gap was where we practiced our maneuvers for a ground assault (this is common knowledge, so don't get your panties in a wad over this information). Everything in this series, especially the use of music, cars, and women is spot on. Bravo! This series deserves to continue.

I was skeptic when I seen the trailer it doesn't portray the series in the right way I feel. Started watching it and was captivated very fast by the story. At first I was mostly interested in the time line as it is a time in history that we don't talk much about anymore in school and my generation didn't live it (I was born two years after). From what I can see and read of the internet it is quite accurate and is played very well keeps me waiting to see what is going to happen next.

This series is new and refreshing and I really enjoy it. So far from what I watched it is looking to be the best series that I have enjoyed this year.

IF you already like the series "The Americans", remember the 80's and don't mind subtitles.

It is a nice German spy adventure involving the youth in the German states that had been divided since the end of WW2.

I was 28 years old at the time this story takes place so... there were more than a few sentimental moments for me. It can be a lot of fun if, like me you are old enough to remember songs like "99 Luftballons". Or maybe you remember that sensation first time you ever used that "new" Sony Walkman? WOW!

Obviously this is a TV series so it isn't Shakespeare but... I found the writing more than adequate. Actors were good too. I found it easy to follow even while reading subtitles. (I only understand a tiny bit of German).

Watching as a U.S. citizen is a real bonus too. I do remember most of the historical events depicted but... from a much different perspective. It was eye opening to finally consider what it must have been like for the people living in Europe during this period.

1980ies was a really critical decade in the post-WWII period, tensions were the highest since the 1960ies, as the economical gaps between the East and West started to enhance faster. The split Germany encountered apparently the biggest tensions as the nation/language was the same, NATO bases were close, and GDR intelligence was considered among the best in the world...

Although I was quite young at that time, Deutschland 83 seems very realistic to me, brings forth some memories and attitudes East Germans were known in the Warsav Pact block... True, some topics were apparently "bedighted" and intensified for the sake of feature series and providing meatiness and additional warmth and humour, this mini-series is no US-type of action mockery, with constant chases and blasts. For younger generations accustomed to search engines etc., some events may seems odd and questionable, but back then all checking was much more complicated and slower.

The cast is evenly strong, I found Jonas Nay as Martin Rauch / Moritz Stamm, Maria Schrader as Lenora Rauch, and Ludwig Trepte as Alex Edel most elaborated characters/performances. But still, it is good that all speak their native language (or broken German), and being made on German soil and cities, you can feel the real European/German life and background throughout the whole series.

The ending could have been more twisty, but still, a good series. Special mention to those who selected songs and soundtrack - one can hardly find more suitable melodies and texts for specific events and general atmosphere.