The camera stares at a three-lagged dog running toward it and turns to show a Jewish village. It is U.S. military-occupied Frankfurt after Hitler accepted his surrender. David and his Jewish friends go from home to home to sell bed linens to housewives. They are saving money to start a new life in America. As David is summoned by Sara, a U.S. Army officer, for interrogation, the movie slowly exposes his secrets during World War II. Based on a real story, Bye Bye Germany sheds light on modern human history through the lives of post-war Jews who remained in Germany. Sam Garbarski finds a judicious balance between the sensitive historical background and a good sense of humor and wit displayed at the right moments. Garbarski does not reveal whether David was a Nazi collaborator or not, keeping the tension high until the end of the film. The movie’s elaborate sets and costumes bring post-war Europe back to life. And Moritz Bleibtreu’s brilliant performance is worth watching. (RHEE Souewon)