Asphalt (1929)

In the shadowy labyrinth of the Berlin underworld, we meet Else - a mesmerizing beauty entangled in a web of crime. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she's caught red-handed with stolen jewelry by Albert, a diligent Berlin policeman. A swift arrest is made, but not before Else persuasively convinces Albert to accompany her home, under the guise of retrieving her cherished possessions before eviction. As the tangible walls of her apartment embody the metaphorical walls of her criminal life closing in, she glimpses a potential escape route in Albert, who finds himself slowly being consumed by his affection for her. Their lives intertwine, and as they navigate the complex dance of love and deceit, Else begins to reciprocate Albert's feelings. But just as they teeter on the brink of a new life together, a ghost from Else's past resurfaces, dragging her back into the underbelly of crime and thrusting her into the heart of a murder. Joe May's 'Asphalt' is an exquisite exploration of life in the silent era's Berlin underworld. With a hypnotic visual style and a psychological depth to its characters, it transforms a seemingly simple, melodramatic tale into a cinematic masterpiece. It's more than just a story - it's a journey that delves into the raw complexities of love, sacrifice, and the dire consequences of a life steeped in crime.

Asphalt is a drama movie featuring Albert Steinrück and directed by Joe May.

Asphalt is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy Asphalt on Amazon Video and Kino Now.