Watch Cracks in concrete

Cracks in Concrete is a 2014 German drama film directed by Umut Dag. The story follows three young men, played by Murathan Muslu, Stephanie Nur, and Alechan Tagaev, who grew up together in the same neighborhood in Vienna. The boys share a difficult upbringing, marked by poverty and violence, which continues to affect them as they transition into adulthood.

The film begins as the boys reunite after years apart. Each carrying scars from their childhood, they struggle to make their way in the world. Ayhan (Muslu), the most successful of the three, has become a small-time drug dealer, while Mikail (Nur) works in construction and dreams of being a professional kickboxer. The third member of the group, Mischa (Tagaev), is an addict, homeless and alone.

As the story unfolds, we see the boys’ lives intermingling in unexpected ways. Ayhan’s business dealings bring him into conflict with local gangs, while Mikail’s passion for kickboxing leads him down a dangerous path. Mischa, meanwhile, is haunted by his past and turns to drugs to numb the pain.

Through it all, Cracks in Concrete explores themes of loyalty, brotherhood, and violence. The film is a gritty and unflinching portrayal of life on the fringes of society, filled with desperation, hopelessness, and unexpected moments of grace.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its characters. Each of the three leads is complex and fully realized, with their own unique struggles and motivations. Muslu’s Ayhan is particularly compelling, a man whose confidence and bravado mask a deep-seated pain and insecurity. Nur’s Mikail is equally well-drawn, a proud and determined fighter who struggles to reconcile his dreams with the harsh realities of his world. And Tagaev’s Mischa is heartbreaking, a lost soul whose addiction threatens to consume him entirely.

The film’s direction is also impressive. Dag has a talent for capturing the stark beauty of his city, using Vienna’s concrete landscapes and dimly-lit alleys to add a sense of claustrophobia and unease to the story. The film’s pacing is deliberate but never slow, moving steadily towards its powerful conclusion.

Cracks in Concrete is not an easy film to watch. It is violent, raw, and at times, deeply sad. But it is also a powerful meditation on the human condition, examining the ways in which we struggle to cope with pain and trauma. The film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Overall, Cracks in Concrete is a deeply affecting film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. It is a story of pain and redemption, of hope and despair, and of the enduring bonds of brotherhood. For those willing to confront its darker themes, it is a film that should not be missed.