This Week at the Movies: Könige der Welt (We Were Kings)

It all started with a poster on the wall of his friend Christian von Brockhausen, which caught the attention of Timo Großpietsch: The poster was a relic from Brockhausen's youth and it showed him and the other members of "Union Youth", a rock 'n' roll band from rural Northern Germany that almost made it big in 2000. Many stories surround the fast rise and tragic fall of the band. 15 years later, the former members tried to start over under the moniker "Pictures". In their documentary "Könige der Welt" ("We Were Kings"), Brockhausen and Großpietsch chronicle the band's history and investigate the legendary tales from the past. They show a constant battle for control, as the lead singer struggles with his drug addiction and depressions, which also takes its toll on the other band members. The camera accompanies them all the way: during rehearsals, arguments, therapy sessions, rehab, moments of joy and despair. Thus, "Könige der Welt" not only works as a surprisingly gripping band portrait, it also has a lot to say about friendship and responsibility.