Family Issues: Migration, Multi-Ethnic Romance and Limits of Tolerance in Turkish for Beginners (2012, dir. Bora Dağtekin) and Welcome to Germany (2016, dir. Simon Verhoeven)
摘要
The two German comedies analyzed in the chapter employ conventional romantic comedy tropes, such as the “unwanted suitor” and “heroic rescuer,” sharing strikingly similar narrative devices. At the center of both stories are young female protagonists—Lena in Turkish for Beginners and Sofie in Welcome to Germany—however, as migrant comedies, these films extend beyond romantic plotlines to explore themes of multicultural integration and family renewal. Both comedies highlight the process of overcoming cultural prejudices against migrants in German society. They also engage in complex, ironic interplay with stereotypes, not only regarding ethnicity and nationality but also gender, age, and social class. The depiction of Diallo, the refugee character in Verhoeven’s film, is critically examined as both a moral compass for the narrative and a symbol of the crises facing the Hartmann family. While Diallo challenges the family’s—and society’s—prejudices, his portrayal as an almost flawless “perfect refugee” and victim raises questions about the limits of such representation. Ultimately, these comedies provoke reflection on the need for Western societies to reconsider their social frameworks and structures. Rather than focusing on stricter migration laws, the films advocate for strengthening familial and social bonds as an antidote to radical individualism and alienating ideologies.