Why the German care system can't protect its most troubled children

System Crasher, a film about a girl from Hanover let down by the state, carries a universal message about children in care

Nora Fingscheidt’s System Crasher – one of Germany’s most talked-about films since its premiere at last year’s Berlin film festival – starts with a doctor asking nine-year-old Benni what she wants to be when she grows up. “A carer,” she says, flashing a disarming, snaggle-toothed smile.

But Fingscheidt only briefly warms our hearts before her unflinchingly realistic drama about Germany’s child protection services shows why Benni spends a lot of time in hospitals. The pre-teen punches, kicks and spits at kids in the playground of a children’s home until the care workers evacuate the inner courtyard and retreat indoors. “Assholes! Piss off!” screams the raging Benni as she hurls go-karts at the adults hiding behind shatterproof glass: a performance worthy of Goodfellas-era Joe Pesci from 11-year-old Berlin actor Helena Zengel.

Related: 'It felt like being kidnapped': the trauma of short stays in foster care

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from Children | The Guardian https://ift.tt/32YF7LX