THE BUNKER is a weird little German film for those who enjoy offbeat or obscure cinema like TAXIDERMIA or the films of Jan Svankmajer. It doesn't really have much of a plot or narrative arc, instead it's a slice of very-weird-life set in a rather bizarre family home. The protagonist is your usual young, upstanding teacher who takes on a home schooling job for a couple's son. Most of the time he's in the cellar, teaching the kid geography and the like, but after a time he gets drawn into the family's weird ways.

I'm not really sure how to describe THE BUNKER, other than to say it's not particularly enjoyable. Some parts reminded me of the films of Werner Herzog but lacking the artistry and the subtext. Pit Bukowski is weird as the grown up kid, but weird in a good way and I did warm to him a little as the story went on. He comes across as a mix of Kaspar Hauser and Peter Bark in BURIAL GROUND! The other characters aren't as memorable, but there's a smattering of sex and violence to keep viewers engaged. As I said, it didn't work out too well for me.

This is a film that tells you what is going on, yet I had no idea. Pit Bukowski plays "the student" who rents a room at The Bunker for peace and solitude for his work which looks like scribbling, but clearly is something deeper. He is short on his rent money and eventually it is agreed upon he is to teach their son Klaus (Daniel Fripan) for the shortcoming. Klaus is to grow up to be President, yet doesn't have the sense or social graces to be functional in society. Mom (Oona von Maydell) at the risk of giving too much away (30 minute PLOT SPOILER) talks to Heinrich who has moved into her through her leg. He is a great leader from a distant Galaxy here to...who knows but he got sick and moved in her body. Knowing all of this didn't make my understanding of the film any better. Father (David Scheller) is well educated and clearly he sees what is going on...but maybe he doesn't.

The film was engrossing and somewhat entertaining, but I felt lost like Klaus.

Guide: No swearing. Sex and nudity Not for everyone.

In German but the subtitles are excellent and once you get into the movie you hardly notice that you are reading them. It is dark humour so don't expect to laugh, just enjoy the weird plot and characters. The twist of a minimal Science Fiction core just makes it all the more intriguing. At the end, I just wanted to see a follow up and prequel to this as all of the characters had so much more to be explored character wise.Thoroughly recommended if you like foreign off the wall movies (old-boy, lady vengeance etc). The opening scene just hooks you in, things are not going to end well for the guest. The introduction of a previous an alien encounter by the wife / landlady just intrigues but does not in anyway dominate the plot. Watch and enjoy.