In this German comedy-drama, Irene and Dieter have fled ′60s East Berlin with their children for a better life in the West. Peaceful times in the West can start at last, if only Irene Striesow could manage to shake off the past. She is homesick for East Germany, mistrustful of the cease fire, and most of all, distraught about her husband Dieter′s other women. Irene can’t shake the Eastern Bloc mindset, craving conformity and living in constant dread of catastrophe in general and a Russian military invasion in particular.
As seen by her two matter-of-fact little girls she’s a lovely, mesmerizing bundle of nerves – and something of a responsibility. Dad Dieter meanwhile is crazy for swinging Western ways. Observing the growing rift, their two little girls plan the divorce – another novel freedom – they believe will make everyone happier.
