The Legend of Paul and Paula

Die Legende von Paul und Paula

Part of the Series: Reel Women in East German Film

Author Ulrich Plenzdorf and director Heiner Carow winningly portray everyday life in East Berlin in a passionate, but star-crossed love story. Featuring the music of the East German cult rock band, The Pudhys, the film proved so popular that official media blackouts could not keep audiences away from this cult classic.

Paul is unhappily married to a beautiful but ignorant woman who cheats on him. Paula, who has two children from different fathers, is in a relationship of convenience with a tire salesman. When Paula and Paul meet in a bar, they fall in love. Yet, Paul, who can never make up his mind, almost loses Paula, who blames herself when her child dies in an accident. Finally, Paul wins Paula back and their love becomes a legend in the neighborhood, intensified by a tragic twist. The most popular DEFA film ever, it is a film about longings, dreams and the pursuit of individual freedom.