All About Me

This film about the childhood of germanys most famous comedian went deep under my skin. Not only for fans of Hape Kerkeling this is a true loveletter to individuality and crazyness. The local dialect and peculiarities of the "Ruhrgebiet area" are on point and reminded me of my own childhood. Also: strong female roles and great acting. Treat yourself!

Based on Hape Kerkeling's autobiographical novel, "Der Junge muss an die frische Luft" is one of the most extraordinary German mainstream-fitted films to be released in recent years. People who have never lived in Germany probably won't be particularly familiar with Hape Kerkeling's comedy, but as someone who has continuously watched his presence in German television while growing up, I was probably the perfect target for the film's intention to hit all the nostalgia nerves. It paints a beautiful picture of small-town Germany during the early 1970s, not to mention a stellar performance by young Julius Weckauf, who may just have given one of the best child performances I have seen in a long time. He took over Hape Kerkeling's person and completely vanished into the character, allowing for a very compelling viewing experience.

The movie capably handles tragedy and humor, keeping both of these aspects in perfect balance and allowing the audience some room to laugh one minute and cry the next (I won't lie, I did both of those things). Caroline Link's film probably can't be called critic-proof; someone who wants to find flaws probably will, but as for me, I absolutely loved the experience of just letting this portrait of a boy's upbringing in Germany during the early 70s sink in. Ursula Werner's performance as Oma Bertha is especially note-worthy; she's a scene-stealer whenever Julius Weckauf isn't (which is a rare incident). I fear people outside of Germany probably won't ever get to see this film unless they embark on an extended search for it, though I also think people outside of Germany probably won't care, as long as they aren't familiar with Hape Kerkeling himself. But honestly, even if you don't know anything about him, this is just a fantastic film which is a more than worthy way to spend 100 minutes of your time with.

We laughed a lot, cried a little and were all amazed by how good the film portrays the emotions of being in a big, a bit weird family in Germany. This film connects with you through strong performances and is just beautifully done.

Now it wont be for everyone and probably will not translate (both in terms of language and culture) but for Germans it is a must see.

I admit it, I hate German cinema. Either the plot revolves around some marketing persons in their swanky villas or nobles in their castles. German cinema strives to be far removed from reality. This film is such a beautiful and also sad exception to this rule. It is so funny and sad at the same time. Fantastic actors down to the smallest role, especially little Hape (Julius Weckauf). I am really happy that there is also a German film worth seeing. A great work.

Ein wunderbarer Film, der meine Ansicht von "deutschem Kino" positiv erschüttert hat. Normalerweise befindet sich Filmmaterial zwischen Tatortverschnitten, 2. Weltkriegdrama und Til-Schweiger-Komödien...

aber dieser Film war anders.

Ich habe ihn nur durch Empfehlungen gesehen, da ich mich selbst nie in das deutsche "Klischeekino" wage - und der Film fast ähnlich zu anderen Komödien aussah. Weit gefehlt. GENIAL.

Hans-Peter "Hape" Kerkeling ist ein Urgestein der deutschen Comedy - oft wurde seine selbst erschaffene Kultfigur "Oskar Schlemmer" verlacht. Aber dies ist endlich der Film nach der Autobiographie, der offen legt - warum er so exzentrisch und expressiv sein Talent auslebte... wie er seinen Träumen folgte und so zu etwas unvergesslichem der deutschen Mediengeschichte werden konnte.

Ein Film über den Jungen Hans-Peter und seine depressive, überforderte Mutter. Über eine herzliche Familie, Lebenslust, Lachen, Schmerzen und Träume. Oskar konnte seine Mutter nur durch Witze und Verkleidungen zum Lachen bringen - und fand sich als kleines Kind auf der Bühne plötzlich ... wieder.

Großartige Regie, natürlich wunderbares Geschichtenmaterial von Kerkeling und fantastische Schauspieler, gerade der Junge Julius Weckauf bringt frischen Wind, viel Talent und nuancierten Humor auf die Leinwand.

Zeitzeugen (also die Generation, die in den 70ern groß wurde) sagt mir aus ihrem Erleben, dass sie die Darstellungen der Läden, Räume und visuellen Welt ähnlich empfangen, wie es im Film dargestellt wird... hier entspinnt sich ein authentisches Bild nicht nur über Menschen und ihre Probleme, die ihr Leben verändern... sondern auch der damaligen Welt.

Ich bin froh, dieses Schmuckstück gesehen zu haben und ein wenig mehr daran zu glauben: Alle Wunden können uns zum wachsen bringen - und wir können Träume erreichen, wenn wir nur daran glauben... und es ein paar Menschen gibt, die auch an uns geglaubt haben, irgendwann auf dem Weg.

Wunderbar, must see!