How to get in the Berliner mood

Today I want to talk about some movies and songs about Berlin that can help you to get in the mood! 

Songs

Heroes - David Bowie

One of my favourite song is absolutely "Heroes", from David Bowie; the artist lived in Schöneberg, a neighborhood in the west side of the city, and in the late seventies produced this powerful song, created with Brian Eno. 

The song talks about two lovers divided by the wall, whose love runs above the material division, and sings: "We can beat them/for ever and ever/we can be heroes/just for one day". 

At the time when Bowie wrote this piece, he was working and recording at the Hansa Tonstudio, which was placed in front of the wall, in Potsdamer Platz, which is now one of the most central and touristic area. 

I've always liked this song, but when I listened it for the first time standing by the wall he talks about.. well... it gave me an incredible emotion. 

(East Side Gallery)

P.s. The protagonists of this song are Bowie's producer and his lover!

The passenger - Iggy Pop

Iggy Pop spent some of his time in Berlin too, where he actually shared a flat with David Bowie, in Hauptstrasse 155. 

(This is the front door.. not so exciting eh? The flat became now a dental office!)

His iconic song, "The passenger" is said to be written during a ride on the Berliner S-bahn, an elevated train system which is very common (and useful) in the city. 

Close to the apartment, you can find the Neues Ufer, one of Bowie's favourite bar (unfortunately when I passed there it was not opened yet, but if you go there, let me know how it is!). 

Streets of Berlin - Mick Jagger 

This song was used in the movie "Bent", which talks about what it meant to be gay under the nazists (again, I didn't watch this movie, but if you did, tell me if it's worth it). 

Other songs

• Alexander Platz - Franco Battiato
• Kreuzberg - Bloc Party
• Neukölln - David Bowie
• West Berlin - Die Ärtzte 
• Steh auf Berlin - Einstürzende Neubauten 
• Berlin (is Dufte) - Nina Hagen
• Berlin - Lou Reed

Books

Wir kinder von Bahnhof Zoo - Christiane F. 

Actually this is the only book I read about Berlin, and there is also the movie, so, it's up to you!

Honestly, after reading it, I've never had the courage to watch the film, because the book shocked me enough, but I really recommend it to anyone (not only to those going to Berlin). 

The story takes place in the seventies, but even though the atmosphere has changed, it is still valid today. 

Movies

Run Lola Run (Lola rennt)

I watched this movie such a looong time ago (just to say: I have the vhs!), but I really really liked it! 

Lola's boyfriend is in trouble: will she be able to help him?

Oh Boy: a coffee in Berlin 

What can happen to a student who walks around the streets of Berlin? Find it out!

Good bye, Lenin!

I defently loved this movie! It shows a lot about the old and the new mentality of the city and its people!

Indiana Jones and the last crusade

Ok, there is not much of Berlin in this movie, but I love Indi, so I will always recommend his movies. 

I know that there are a lot of other movies that take place in Berlin, but these are the only one i saw; if you have any suggestion, I will be happy to learn something new! 

TV series

Türkisch fuer Anfänger

This is a comedy show, and I used to watch it with my mum much time before going to Berlin! It's nice, and useful if you want to watch it in German for learning the language. 

Crimes

• Anna Winter
• Josy Klick
• Wollfs Revier

These are the tips of the day.. hope you enjoy! 

Photo gallery