BARBARA

It’s 1980. An East German paediatric surgeon (Nina Hoss) has been banished to a provincial hospital for applying for an exit visa. Under rigorous surveillance and suffering frequent harassment, she is aloof but professional at work, trusting no-one, especially not her boss Andre (Ronald Zehrfeld) who, although possessing a caring manner and an appreciation of her expertise, openly admits he must make security reports on her. Her desire for freedom and to join her lover in the West is complicated however, by her confused feelings toward her dedicated colleague and her sense of duty toward her patients, who badly need her care. Although the suspense is lacklustre at times, and some scenes seem repetitive, this is a film that keep you guessing. (CC) ***