Look, Short Sharp Shock is standard crime thriller stuff. The plot has been done before– an ex-convict trying to keep himself from the underground, but still gets pulled into it by his friends– and you can tell in some shots that it takes inspiration from classic American gangster films. But, by the time of its release, we haven’t seen this story in these streets before. Writer-director Fatih Akin takes this fairly straightforward story to his hometown and styles it with the eclectic mix of languages, sounds, and images that fits more closely to his German multi-cultural neighborhood. And because of the new setting, the gangster immigrant friends make certain choices that won’t be out of place for the genre, but are informed by and have additional stakes because of the cultures they come from. Short Sharp Shock is a familiar story, but it’s done well in a new place, with a new style, and with Akin’s affection for his hometown.
Gabriel, Bobby and Costa are old friends from Altona, a multicultural hood in Hamburg. Just out of prison, Gabriel wants to turn his back on crime, but the others continue to operate as petty criminals. Friendships are tested as the trio navigate a dark world of mafia bosses and deals gone wrong.
After a stint in prison, Gabriel returns to the Altona neighborhood in Hamburg, and hopes to turn his back on crime. However, his friend Bobby and Costa hope to pull off one last heist before they go straight.
I know they’re European and the amount of kisses should be expected, but as someone out of the continent, this amount of affection between male friends is surprising. (But also, pretty refreshing and should be encouraged.)
We love a good bromance.
