berlin alexanderplatz

Based on Alfred Döblin's classic novel Berlin Alexanderplatz tells the story of a Guinea Bissau refugee, Francis B. (25). He is crossing illegally from Africa to Europe when his boat gets into a storm and keels over. In mortal fear Francis swears to God that he will be a good, a decent man if HE saves him. His prayer is answered. As the sole survivor, Francis finds himself on a beach of the Mediterranean coast. Now it is up to him to keep his oath.

Francis’ way leads him to Berlin, where he honestly strives to be a good man. Yet, to legally make a living as a stateless refugee turns out to be practically impossible. Soon Francis meets the shady German drug dealer Reinhold (26) and the two men join into a fatal friendship. Repeatedly Reinhold tries to rope Francis in for his purposes. Again and again Francis resists, but eventually he gives in and renounces his pact with God. But Reinhold betrays Francis and kills his lover Mieze (19), who is pregnant. Only now Francis realizes that he has lost his way and that he has brought this misery on himself. He withstands the urge to kill Reinhold.

As a broken, but also as a new man, Francis returns to Berlin and experiences a miracle: his child has survived the murder attack on Mieze. Francis, a father now, begins a new life.