1982: Gutenbach
1982: Gutenbach

Movie spotlight

1982: Gutenbach

1978
Movie
104 min
German

After many years away, development aid worker Peter Kessel returns to his home town of Gutenbach in 1982. He is astonished to discover that a lot has changed there. Cashless payments are used everywhere and facilities such as screen journals and video telephones have become a matter of course. Kessel tries to adapt to the changed circumstances and encounters difficulties in the process.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Rolf SchübelGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the life and work of the influential German writer and social critic Günter Wallraff. It delves into his methods of investigative journalism, often involving disguise and undercover work, to expose societal injustices and corporate malfeasance. The film highlights his most famous projects and the public's reaction to his controversial yet impactful approach to truth-telling.

Critical Reception

Gutenbach was well-received by critics for its insightful portrayal of Günter Wallraff's pioneering investigative journalism. Reviewers praised its thoroughness in documenting Wallraff's methods and the impact of his work on German society and media. It is considered an important film for understanding a pivotal figure in modern investigative reporting.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its in-depth look at a significant investigative journalist.

  • Commended for shedding light on controversial yet impactful journalistic methods.

  • Considered an important documentary on media ethics and social critique.

Google audience: Audience reception for this documentary is not widely documented on Google, but it is generally regarded as a significant piece for those interested in investigative journalism and German cultural history.

Fun Fact

The film's subject, Günter Wallraff, famously worked undercover as an employee at the Ford plant in Cologne for his book 'Der Aufmacher' (The Lead Story), exposing poor working conditions and manipulation by management.

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