An apparently ‘ordinary’ film which only reveals how special it is after some time. The film takes its time; it is twice as long as a normal feature, with good reason. Rosen für Afrika provides an unadorned picture of the bottom end of our society and the inevitable fall of the protagonist filmed provocatively slowly and almost systematically in original often-absurd scenes makes an indelible impression.In the film, the story of which is based on a novel by Ludwig Fels, Paul wants to go to Africa. That is his dream. It has something to do with his father, but the film doesn’t go into details. Paul is pushing thirty, but still lives with his mother who has no control over him. He is a boy who refuses to conform. He drinks and gets himself into fights. He looks as if he is heading for self-destruction. The striking thing about Paul — striking because he is after all the protagonist — is that he is not a nice guy. For instance in an aggressive way he drags people from his surroundings down with him as he falls. He seduces Karola, a girl from a better background, and marries her but the marriage is soon on the rocks. Paul humiliates and beats his wife and the film doesn’t seem to want to provide an explanation. But indirectly it does. The length of the film made it possible for the director to elaborate on the supporting cast, such as Paul’s colleagues from the refuse department. Paul’s problems are reflected in these supporting actors; in the context, the film-maker clarifies the motives of his protagonist.
