Toyland (2007)

A German mother lies to her son about where the Nazis are sending their Jewish neighbors.

Director:

Jochen Alexander Freydank

Writers:

Johann A. Bunners, Jochen Alexander Freydank

Stars:

Julia Jäger, Cedric Eich, Tamay Bulut Özvatan

Won 1 Oscar. Another 22 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview:
Julia Jäger	...	Marianne Meißner
Cedric Eich	...	Heinrich Meißner
Tamay Bulut Özvatan	...	David Silberstein
Torsten Michaelis	...	Herr Silbertein
Claudia Hübschmann	...	Frau Silberstein
David Bunners	...	SS-Obersturmführer Falke (as David C. Bunners)
Gregor Weber	...	SS-Mann Werner
Jürgen Trott	...	Schutzpolizist
Klaus-Jürgen Steinmann	...	Blockwart
Heike Reichenwallner	...	Nachbarin
Matthias Paul	...	Gestapo Mann

Storyline

On a winter morning, a mother goes to waken her son Heinrich; his bed is empty. She leaves her flat to find him. The neighbors' door, with a Star of David painted on it, is ajar, the furnishings in disarray, the family gone. She asks passersby, runs to the police then on to the rail yard. Flashbacks show that Heinrich and the neighbors' son Paul are six years old and best friends. Paul's family's deportation is expected soon; Heinrich's mother tells her son that they're going to Toyland. Heinrich wants to go with them, has a bag packed, and listens for their departure. His mother realizes he's joined them, and her resolve becomes more urgent. Will she arrive in time to save Heinrich?

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Plot Keywords:

neighbor | jewish | german | flashback | winter | 

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Genres:

Short | Drama | War

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

This short film is available as a bonus on the Film Movement DVD of Storm (2009).

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Goofs

[All goofs for this title are spoilers.]

User Reviews

Some themes are always touchable

The storyline is exciting despite the short duration of movie. The intrigue is remained until the last minute. The atmosphere of WWII is clearly conveyed. It is really hard to predict from the beginning how the movie would end.

Details

Country:

Germany

Language:

German

Release Date:

2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Toyland

Filming Locations:

Berlin, Germany

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mephisto Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

14 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1