Peaceful Times (2008)
A bittersweet German comedy-drama about a family's chaotic new life in the West after escaping East Germany in 1961.
Peaceful Times - Movie Information
- Original Title: Friedliche Zeiten
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Neele Vollmar
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 10, 2008 (Germany)
- Production Companies: Royal Pony Film, Neue Kinowelt Filmproduktion
- Production Countries: Germany
Peaceful Times - Plot
After fleeing to the West in 1961, peaceful times were supposed to begin for the Striesows. But Irene longs for the familiar GDR, fears her husband Dieter's supposed "second wives" and expects the Third World War every day. When the war finally breaks out in the living room, her children Ute, Wasa and Flori decide to help their mother's happiness along, with unexpected consequences.
Where to Watch Peaceful Times
Looking for where to watch Peaceful Times?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Peaceful Times - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Neele Vollmar
Main Cast
- Katharina M. Schubert
- Oliver Stokowski
- Leonie Brill
- Tamino Wecker
- Axel Prahl
- Doris Kunstmann
- Anna Böttcher
- Daphne Wagner
- Georgia Stahl
- Meret Becker
Writers
- Ruth Toma
Producers
- Caroline Daube
- Georg Gruber
- Hermann Florin
Peaceful Times - FAQs
What is Peaceful Times about?
Peaceful Times follows the Striesow family, who fled East Germany in 1961 hoping for a better life in the West. Mother Irene struggles with homesickness, jealousy, and Cold War anxiety, until her children Ute, Wasa, and Flori hatch a scheme to restore her happiness, with hilariously unexpected results.
Who directed Peaceful Times?
Peaceful Times was directed by Neele Vollmar, a German filmmaker. The screenplay was written by Ruth Toma. The film was produced by Caroline Daube, Georg Gruber, and Hermann Florin, and released in Germany on November 10, 2008.
Who are the main actors in Peaceful Times?
The film stars Katharina M. Schubert as Irene Striesow and Oliver Stokowski as her husband Dieter. The ensemble cast also includes Axel Prahl, Leonie Brill, Tamino Wecker, Doris Kunstmann, Meret Becker, Anna Böttcher, Daphne Wagner, and Georgia Stahl.
Is Peaceful Times based on a true story?
Peaceful Times is not based on a specific true story. It is an original screenplay written by Ruth Toma. However, the film draws on the very real historical backdrop of the 1961 division of Germany and the experiences of families who fled from East to West Germany during that era.
When was Peaceful Times released?
Peaceful Times was released on November 10, 2008, in Germany. The film is a German-language production with a runtime of 98 minutes, produced by Royal Pony Film and Neue Kinowelt Filmproduktion.
What genre is Peaceful Times?
Peaceful Times is a Comedy-Drama. It blends warm domestic humor with emotionally resonant storytelling, exploring themes of family loyalty, marital tension, Cold War anxiety, and the bittersweet experience of displacement and longing for home.
Where can you watch Peaceful Times online?
Streaming availability for Peaceful Times varies by region. To find current viewing options including subscription services, rental, or purchase platforms available in your area, check JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information across all major providers.
What are movies similar to Peaceful Times?
If you enjoyed Peaceful Times, you might also like Gemma Bovery (2014), Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962), Monster (2003), Echo Park (2014), and To Kill a Mockingbird (1962). These films share themes of family dynamics, personal resilience, and character-driven storytelling.
More About Peaceful Times
Explore further details about this film through these authoritative resources.