Der Liebe auf der Spur

8-part youth series on the subject of love and sexuality. The self-contained episodes focus on young people between the ages of 12 and 18. Their experiences, especially during puberty, are accompanied by contradictory feelings, curiosity and fear, hopes and disappointments. The eight stories tell how they deal with these feelings. They are therefore not to be understood as sex education films, but rather confront young people with the question of the interpersonal significance and the consequences of sexuality in relationships. Topics such as first menstruation, first sexual contact, homosexuality, wanted and unwanted pregnancy, partner problems and conflicts at home are addressed and portrayed, as are the possible psychological consequences of AIDS.

Directed by Mietek Lewandowski, Der Liebe auf der Spur leans on a strong ensemble — Claudia Balko, Jens Harzer, Stefanie Herrmannsdörfer — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1988.