This Is Berlin Not New York (2008) User Reviews

A refreshing look at art-making.

[shangrilatrailerpark · 8/10 · 12 January 2009]

In a climate where everyone seems obsessed with market failures, including the art market, it is refreshing to witness a group of artists whose sole motivation is their desire to challenge their creativity.

The film's animated sequences , including stop motion photography, capture the raw and edgy vibe of Berlin's Wedding neighborhood, and portray Berlin as a place of magical possibility.

Fan's of punk rock's d.i.y. ethics will watch with glee as the Antagonist's turn an apartment block into an art installation, and the streets of Berlin into an art gallery.

The soundtrack includes music by some of New York undiscovered greats.

If you are looking to re-calibrate your cynical view of the art world this might be the perfect movie.

viva la Antagonists

[wgueorguiev · 9/10 · 29 January 2009]

The Antagonist Movement is one of the best things to come out of and happen in the East Village. The film is an inspiration, much as the Antagonists they themselves are.

On any given Thursday night, an assorted and talented crew of artists and bands set up and basically provide the most interesting, friendly and entertaining night downtown.

The film seems to be an important document of what is happening and interesting now in post-post NYC, especially the East Village which has gone through so many cultural phases.

One of the best attributes of the Antagonist Movement is the people themselves. Individualists, with a sense of community building and tons of creativity.

pretty much the best art movie of the year

[jamescoolguy · 10/10 · 3 January 2009]

oh my god... these guys are so rad. i mean they went all the way to berlin and made one of the best movies i have ever seen. also arturo vega is running around with these art hooligans half his age and talking about chaos..

this movie really has it all...

originality, beautiful people, and killer music...

not to mention its funny as hell

i already bought a copy... and then i find out that its more...

these guys got an online store... and sell clothes and stuff...

plus they throw art shows...

if i ever get to new york... i wanna hook up with them

they are hard core!!!!!

most inspiring!

[nueel · 10/10 · 12 January 2009]

this film takes you through a whirlwind of creative adventures in Berlin! what a ingenious idea! the film captures every moment of the creative process from new york to the cities of Berlin! it pushes the boundaries of art-making into a whole new level! the artist's dedication to making art is an inspiration. the film and the artists motivates to challenge one's creativity. there is a strong sense of camaraderie that one wants to be part of. this film is influential in so many ways. this movement is pretty much a LETS MAKE SOME F***** ART guide to all who wants to create. it is a lesson in getting off one's butt and doing something about making art. thank the filmmaker for making this film!

Not for serious art enthusiasts

[bisylisy · 1/10 · 13 September 2009]

There is nothing in this movie that you probably haven't seen. Do yourself a favour and watch Simon Schama instead. This movie is boring and uninteresting. For anyone who went to art school it may remind you of that naive time in your life when you felt like you knew it all and making a mess of public and private property was totally dope. The problem here is that the message is dated and so is the cast as they resort to art gimmicks and graffiti pranks that were hip some time before 2008. If you pay attention to current art trends and art markets, you've already seen this movie. Don't waste your time watching this film. Very lame.

Amazing Art Film

[sallycoffeecup · 10/10 · 12 January 2009]

This film is amazing and has it all. It makes you feel like you are right there, as this rambunctious, fun, off-beat group of New York artists join forces with their Berlin counterparts. Always bumping up against (and beyond) conventional boundaries, the American and German artists create original artwork in front of your eyes in some very unusual places. This film has another whole level, beyond the pure visual, as the artists discuss and critique Western contemporary art. The film captures the spontaneity and energy of these young, emerging artists who feel comfortable and confident in their artistic skills and visions. In watching the film, you feel the dynamics emerging between the artists in a positive way, as they strive to take their art to a higher level. The artists feed off of each others' creativity and continuously push each other to achieve more. In a sense, these artists have outgrown the need for senior mentors or critics and have developed a Utopian world for themselves where the artists accept each other as peers and competent equals, each of whom have chosen to explore their artistic interests in different modes. After watching this film, you will feel liberated and inspired to follow your own artistic interests without worrying about outside acceptance. The original musical score and animation ties this film together in a wonderful, exuberant package.

The Antagonist Art Movement's collective endeavor to make art in Berlin away from their New York home.

[binnorie · 10/10 · 1 January 2009]

The Antagonist Movement consists of an amazing group of artists who make art without pretension. By following the day-to-day experiences during their trip to Berlin, this documentary exhibits a down-to-earth and accessible side of art; It shows the heart and soul of art's intentions and value, and delves deeper than many "high-art" venue would today.

The documentary itself is a creative work involving various kinds of animations created by Antagonist members. It focuses on individual artists' work and, by doing so, shows how the members of the movement mesh.

"This is Berlin, Not New York" illustrates why street art and lowbrow is becoming this decade's art paradigm. No artist should miss this, nor any art agent, nor art lover.

Euro trip

[riddleriddle · 3/10 · 7 May 2022]

I started watching thanks to my obsession for Berlin. The film presents the journey of some young and impassioned artists. Overall the film was pretty boring, and the art was not great either. I felt like a tag along on someone else's post-college European trip. This is basically a check off that I watched this thing at one point in my life.

Fun and profound

[hannahhightman · 10/10 · 28 August 2023]

I had a really great time with this one. I've only recently moved to New York and found an artistic community here, and I'm not at all familiar with the art scene in Berlin, so watching these two communities interact showed me a new side of things I wouldn't have otherwise encountered. The visuals are amazing, and it's fun to just hang out with this group of artists for a bit. They touch on a lot of deep subject matter regarding art in the Western world, but this film is overwhelmingly fun, and mostly it just feels like you're tagging along with the coolest group of artists on elaborate adventures.