Jan Oppen

The Oppen family has lived in Berlin, Griesener Straße, for generations. The first names of the family members are also repeated, so the grandson Jan has the same first name as his grandfather. The Oppens' husbands have maintained a tradition up to now: they were or are all carpenters. But the latter does not yet fall on fertile ground with 16-year-old Jan, whose passion is the moped, his "machine". Of course, he is a newcomer among the motorcycle fans around the black Jonny, but he loves to be in their company to experience adventures, and of course he wants to be able to "keep up" with them. Jan has already developed a strategy for how he can do this.

Directed by Karola Hattop, Jan Oppen leans on a strong ensemble — Jens Schmieder, Martin Trettau, Christian Grashof — 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 1987.