The movie's plot is based on the true story of a group of young computer hackers from Hannover, Germany. In the late 1980s the orphaned Karl Koch invests his heritage in a flat and a home computer. At first he dials up to bulletin boards to discuss conspiracy theories inspired by his favorite novel, R.A. Wilson's "Illuminatus", but soon he and his friend David start breaking into government and military computers. Pepe, one of Karl's rather criminal acquaintances senses that there is money in computer cracking - he travels to east Berlin and tries to contact the KGB.
"23" tells the story of Karl Koch, a young German hacker in the 1980s fascinated by the Illuminati conspiracy theory and the number 23. He and his friends start hacking for fun, but they soon get involved in selling information to the KGB. The film explores the early days of hacking, the Cold War, and the allure of conspiracy theories. You'll encounter vocabulary related to computers (e.g., "Computer," "Daten," "Hacken"), politics (e.g., "KGB," "Spionage," "Politiker"), and everyday life in Germany. This thriller explores themes of paranoia, betrayal, and the dangers of obsession. The film evokes a range of emotions, from excitement and curiosity to fear and despair. The dialogue uses a mix of colloquial German and technical jargon, giving learners exposure to diverse language styles. You'll hear how Germans express their emotions, argue, and discuss complex ideas. The film's focus on paranoia and internal struggles offers valuable insight into expressing inner thoughts and feelings in German. "23" offers a compelling narrative and a unique glimpse into German culture during the Cold War. The film's themes and vocabulary are relevant to various aspects of life, making it a useful learning tool. It can spark discussions about history, technology, and human psychology. By immersing yourself in the story, you'll improve your listening comprehension and expand your vocabulary while gaining a deeper understanding of German culture and history.
Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in 23: