The film Jerichow (2008), directed by Christian Petzold, can be seen as a microcosm for a larger social and cultural conflict that exists in contemporary Europe—specifically, in Germany. The three main characters of the film live in the economically depressed town of Jerichow in East Germany. Ali, as the Turkish-German entrepreneur, represents the capitalist foreigner in a land that still treats capitalism—and non-Germans—begrudgingly. The film shies away from focusing on large political issues, such as racism, yet it is clear that Ali, despite his wealth and success, feels like an outsider in Germany because he is Turkish. Thomas, the dishonorably discharged German soldier, needs money and cannot refuse when Ali offers him a job. Ali’s wife, Laura, is trapped in a marriage and a life that she cannot escape from, though she tolerates it with haughty boredom and some illegal dealings with one of Ali’s employees. Ali pushes Thomas and Laura together, ultimately facilitating their torrid affair. Ali, the most complicated character in the film, seems to be very aware of his difference from the two of them; he is older, and he is Turkish. He recognizes that, on an ideological level, the two of them make a much more ideal pair, so he encourages them to be together, even though it inflames his jealousy and sense of alienation. Though none of the characters is specifically meant to draw attention to a high moral or ethical issue, this love-triangle is nonetheless symbolic of a much larger culture clash that exists, to this day, in Germany.

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