RHUM

In the tradition of Romper Stomper, American History X, and This Is England, Combat Girls goes for the jugular vein of Neo-Nazi youth culture. The anger of poverty in a once great and powerful nation. The seething frustration that led to the rise of the Nazi Party in the first place. History repeating on small scale all over the world. It's not national pride, it's fear and dispossession. Same as always.

Young girls who just want a place to fit, love, a home - coupled with the excitement of sex and violence - that's the heart of Combat Girls. The way that young girls can support each other, but also jealously tear each other down. It ain't exactly grrl power, but there is empowerment to be found. You have to wait for it through a lot of ugly shit, but it's there.

The young cast handles disturbing material bravely with sensitivity. Nothing is glorified. Everyone is fucked up. The strain between the native Germans and the refugees looking for a home away from their own torn apart countries is not always subtle, but then it isn't in life either. Salvation lies in the growing realisation that maybe the 'enemy' isn't who we think it is. And that family and culture pride are sometimes the root of evil we're too close to see.

It's not a cheery watch. How could it be? It is a powerful and affecting one though and certainly one of the highlights of this year's Audi Festival of German Films. Lead actress Alina Levshin is going to be a wicked big star and writer/director David F. Wnendt is definitely one to keep your eye on.

Check it out if you like your films gritty.

4 / 5 Stars

Reviewed at Festival of German Films 

Directed by David F. Wnendt