Die Achatmurmel

A new pupil has joined the seventh grade and - as is often the case - is met with scepticism. What is more: Mathias' classmates are angry because he is frequently late, goes home early and, on top of it, performs badly at school. They have to acknowledge, however; that he is very gutsy. This proves especially true when it becomes a question of passing a dangerous test: who can hold out longest in the ice cellar?

In works like “Guide Dog Ruepel” (1962), Bärbl Bergmann was the first feature film director in the GDR to portray children in their often pitiless but also honest dealings with each other, something that was almost impossible in the documentary films of that period. But she also managed to sneak lessons on how to pursue educational goals with creative obstinacy into popular science films. Thus her educational piece about two boys who discover that magic, too, requires hard work, despite its rational approach, is far from disenchanting: The protagonists reach their conclusion via detours that take them through mysterious corridors, furtive looks through keyholes and bewitching dreams.

This unusual day was preceded by little Maja's laziness. She didn't feel like doing any schoolwork. When she came to school the next day, the teacher didn't feel like teaching her. Everyone else she wants something from is not in the mood either. Maja begins to wonder whether this strange behavior could have something to do with her "listlessness" yesterday. And she comes to the conclusion that it is not right not to do your homework, as everyone has a duty to fulfill in their place.