Let's talk brass tacks first: "Rocker" was filmed completely amateurish; the actors are laymen who've never even seen a camera before, the dialogue is hackneyed, the script virtually non-existent, the editing shoddy and the soundtrack is culled from The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Them and Santana songs. This been said, the film is furthermore one of the most magnificent film to have been produced in Germany over the last 40 years and deserves a perfect ten out of ten.
Every time and place has its own cult-movie, Rocky Horror Picture Show" or Easy Rider" – in the case of Hamburg, it's Klaus Lemke's "Rocker".
The story starts with biker (or "Rocker", as they're called in Germany) Gerd, just being released from jail. Gerds way crosses with teenager Mark, whose brother – likewise a rocker – was brutally murdered by a group of pimps, the traditional enemies of rockers, in a quarrel over a stolen Mercedes. Originally Gerd doesn't want to play nanny to some kid but soon becomes friendly with Mark, who helps Gerd, ripping off a drug dealer. In return, Gerd and his gang help Mark to avenge his brother's death: in a street fight, they mercilessly beat up the responsible pimps. In the final scene, Mark smashes the window of the stolen Mercedes, proving that he's the real "Rocker".
The end of the movie is sad – sad, because the glimpse into the lives of Gerd, Mark and all the other (often quirky) characters was too brief and is now over. Sad also, because – with the exception of Paul Lyss, playing Marks brother – none of the actors went on to star in other productions; and thirdly, sad because the film reminds us of times that seemed generally easier and more innocent than our present.
I mentioned that "Rocker" is a purely local affair, from Hamburg for Hamburg. This is not altogether true: watch the Burt Reynolds vehicle "Smokey and the Bandit" and watch the bike-crushing scene; it's taken straight out of "Rocker".
If you ever visit Hamburg, why not visit cinema 3001? They still show "Rockers" there periodically and if you've ever been to a "Rocky Horror Picture Show" screening, you'll find some eerie similarities, such as the audience celebrating and virtually talking along every line in the film. It's not just a screening, it's a celebration! It's not for everybody, but if you have a love for Hamburg, it's particular dialect and the Rocker culture of the 70's, there's no way you want to miss this film. I'd give it a 10 out of 10 points, just like a RHPS-fan would give 10 points for "Rocky Horror Picture Show".
Every time and place has its own cult-movie, Rocky Horror Picture Show" or Easy Rider" – in the case of Hamburg, it's Klaus Lemke's "Rocker".
The story starts with biker (or "Rocker", as they're called in Germany) Gerd, just being released from jail. Gerds way crosses with teenager Mark, whose brother – likewise a rocker – was brutally murdered by a group of pimps, the traditional enemies of rockers, in a quarrel over a stolen Mercedes. Originally Gerd doesn't want to play nanny to some kid but soon becomes friendly with Mark, who helps Gerd, ripping off a drug dealer. In return, Gerd and his gang help Mark to avenge his brother's death: in a street fight, they mercilessly beat up the responsible pimps. In the final scene, Mark smashes the window of the stolen Mercedes, proving that he's the real "Rocker".
The end of the movie is sad – sad, because the glimpse into the lives of Gerd, Mark and all the other (often quirky) characters was too brief and is now over. Sad also, because – with the exception of Paul Lyss, playing Marks brother – none of the actors went on to star in other productions; and thirdly, sad because the film reminds us of times that seemed generally easier and more innocent than our present.
I mentioned that "Rocker" is a purely local affair, from Hamburg for Hamburg. This is not altogether true: watch the Burt Reynolds vehicle "Smokey and the Bandit" and watch the bike-crushing scene; it's taken straight out of "Rocker".
If you ever visit Hamburg, why not visit cinema 3001? They still show "Rockers" there periodically and if you've ever been to a "Rocky Horror Picture Show" screening, you'll find some eerie similarities, such as the audience celebrating and virtually talking along every line in the film. It's not just a screening, it's a celebration! It's not for everybody, but if you have a love for Hamburg, it's particular dialect and the Rocker culture of the 70's, there's no way you want to miss this film. I'd give it a 10 out of 10 points, just like a RHPS-fan would give 10 points for "Rocky Horror Picture Show".