[.ca] Hot Summer

Okay, enough analysis:
Personally, I did not see the documentary 'East Side Story,' so I have no idea how this film fits into a larger social framework, or anything like that. What I do know is that this is very possibly one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time. If you're a fan of Oststalgie, then this movie is definitely for you! Truly you have not lived until you have seen two people dressed up as haystacks performing a choreographed number. Buy it and show all of your friends; it will make the world a happier place!

Cleancut Commie Fun:
While not a world class musical, "Hot Summer" was certainly in the league of its contemporary American models. If you've seen the documentary about communist bloc musicals, "East Side Story," you know that because of the communist system DEFA made very few musical comedies, so it's amazing that this film is as good and polished as it is. The director was talented and several of the actor/singers are very charismatic and likely would have done well in the West. In some ways the characters were more mature than their counterparts in Hollywood beach movies. For example, one character discusses the possibility of pregnancy. Still, this is a fun film. I hope Ice Storm International and First Run Features will bring out DEFA's "Midnight Revue" and "No Cheating Darling;" I think they'd do well.