Beyond Silence on AllMovie

In this tearful German melodrama, a young girl with normal hearing struggles to break free from the dependency of her deaf parents. All her life, Lara has provided her parents with a vital link to the hearing world and has acted as their translator. No one else in their village can use sign language; therefore, Lara learns early on that she has the power to filter the information given and received by her parents. Occasionally she takes advantage of them. Lara's life begins to change when an aunt gives her a clarinet. This creates a rift between her father and her, as the gift conjures up painful memories for him. Years pass and Lara turns 18. By this time she has become an excellent clarinetist and has the opportunity to study at a special conservatory in far-off Berlin. This causes considerable conflict at home, but eventually her parents allow her to leave. Excitedly she goes off to enjoy her first taste of independence and romance. Unfortunately, a tragedy occurs and she is forced to return home. There she and her father are forced to finally hash out their differences and make peace.