Movie spotlight
On the Move
Atze, Lutz and Sulli have no work. Day after day, they idle away their time in a backyard. Atze has been fired from his job as a skilled worker at the hut, Lutz has just completed his apprenticeship and has not been taken on by his company, Sulli, who is Greek, is a foreigner and won't get an apprenticeship anyway. The neighbors are suspicious, their former colleagues mock them, doing nothing is boring and the three of them are fed up with it all. Atze, Lutz and Sulli steal a fully loaded furniture van and drive off. A short test drive turns into an adventure, an escape from reality, a piece of borrowed freedom. But those who run away are followed. The neighbors have always known about it, the police are on the lookout and the overzealous set out to catch the outsiders...
Insights
Plot Summary
This short documentary chronicles the daily life and work of a group of London construction workers, offering a glimpse into their routines, camaraderie, and the physical demands of their profession. It highlights the often-unseen labor that goes into building urban environments. The film focuses on the men themselves, their interactions, and the pride they take in their craft.
Critical Reception
As a short documentary from 1978, 'On the Move' received limited widespread critical reviews. It is often recognized for its observational style and its unvarnished portrayal of working-class life. The film is noted for its ethnographic value, capturing a specific moment in time for manual laborers in London.
What Reviewers Say
Offers a realistic and direct look at manual labor.
Appreciated for its observational and non-judgmental approach.
Valuable for its social and historical documentation of working-class men.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific short documentary is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was produced by the British Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU), likely as a way to highlight the contributions and working conditions of its members.
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