Faust II reloaded - Den lieb ich, der Unmögliches begehrt!

At a German secondary school a group of students from difficult backgrounds decide to stage Goethe's Faust II. The project starts as a classroom experiment and soon becomes a test of talent. A guest narrator and teachers guide the process, but the young performers keep their own voices front and center. The film follows rehearsals, costume choices, language hurdles, and the pressure of presenting a work of epic scale within a classroom setting. Dominique Horwitz provides the Faust Sprecher, guiding the audience with a lyrical presence. The result is a vivid portrait of youth and art in motion. The camera lingers on hands building props, nervous smiles before a run through, and moment students feel the weight of the text.

Directed by Eike Besuden and released in 2010, Faust II reloaded uses Goethe's Faust II as its core source. The documentary foregrounds student voices and a known actor narrating the key scenes. It blends rehearsal footage with interviews, turning the classroom into a creative workshop and a space for personal growth.

Box office figures are not widely reported for this niche documentary, reflecting its limited commercial release. The film travels mainly through festivals and educational screenings, where it is used by teachers and scholars to discuss pedagogy and youth theater.

Reception is modest but the film raises clear questions about ambition, class and the role of literature in schools. It follows how teens cope with a heavy text, the guidance they receive, and the sense that creative effort can empower rather than overwhelm. The film also raises questions about balancing respect for a canonical text with the realities of teenage voices.

There are no major awards or nominations listed for Faust II reloaded, underscoring its status as a thoughtful, small scale documentary rather than a prize favorite. The film's value lies in its pedagogy and its focus on real pupils, teachers, and their creative process rather than glossy accolades.