Fariaho on AllMovie

This interesting film embodies a commentary on society and the search for personal fulfillment that is an undercurrent to its storyline. Times were difficult in East Germany during the 1950s, but Samuel Fussberg (Franciszek Pieczka) continues to earn his living by going from town to town with his traveling puppet show. His former partner died in a Nazi extermination camp, and now Fussberg is training his partner's grandson in his craft. Before long, a young woman joins them in their travels and from that moment onward, life is not the same for either man. Problems arise that make it questionable whether or not the puppet show with all its inherent cultural references and traditions will continue to exist, but equally important are the life-decisions forced on the trio, and how they might be tied to the values embodied in the puppeteers' craft and stories.