Harte Jungs

If that actually is the english title of the movie, I have to admit it is quite funny and maybe even funnier than the german one (Hard Boys - well innuendo and pun intended I am certain of it). Having said that and being reminded that this was Axel Steins debut movie ... this is quite a fun ride ... if you are not too squeamish and do not mind jokes that are considered offensive today.

Even so, when in the beginning our main character is being falsely identified as homosexual, the movie does treat that subject matter quite well all things considering. Yes the jokes are mostly below the waist line (I mean we're talking about a ... talking penis - or is it a Penis whose thoughts we hear? Do not overthink it) ... with some nudity to top it all of - pun intended.

This is not high class but it never pretends to be - it is also clear that the guy (Axel Stein) who pretends to know so much ... knows less than little when it comes to the opposite gender ... so you can be offended by the things he says or just roll with it ...

While many German producers often try to adapt American stories and rewrite them for the German market, the producers of "Harte Jungs" went another way. Due to marketing reasons this film was often referred to as "the german answer to American Pie", but this is quite untrue. Except for everyone constantly talking about sex without having any live experience the two movies have nothing in common. Both of them are great. But as it is a German film with a very limited budget and very young actors (Luise Helm who plays Lisa is barely 17) "Harte Jungs" is even better.

Permanently amusing and never boring, this film definitely belongs to germany's best movies this year, even if it does not match the sophisticated standards of the movie critics, but who cares. Perfect entertainment, very good actors and permanent laughter make this movie one of my favorites in the first half of 2000.

It is often said, that Harte Jungs is called the German version of American pie, but in my opinion it is better because it is a german production. i think the film is very funny, and it is surprising how stupid flo is in this film. i think a boy who is fifteen years old couldn't know nothing about sex. it is very good that there is something like a happy-end.

harte Jungs is a good German movie. It is comparable to American Pie, but definitely not as original and not as funny as American Pie. This film is really funny and has some memorable jokes. My favorite scene is the god looking at the boy kinda surprised. That was really funny. There are better German films, but this is one of the best German comedies. I can think of just one german comedy that was better, and that´s Knockin on Heavens Door. And Lola rennt, if you consider it a comedy. All in all, I rated Harte Jungs and recommend it to fans of American Pie.

Indeed, perhaps the German version of American Pie. Same kind of confused, inexperienced guy likes certain experienced girl etc. Has a few friends who want to help out. Gets himself into a few 'laughable' situations. Thats where the similarity ends.

This film simply doesn't have the well-written edge and performances that American Pie does. You really feel for Jason Biggs, but certainly not for this guy. At 15, you also know he's not going to get some anyway. So where exactly is this going? It's highly predictable and there's no real character development here. As for his talking Johnson - well, what's the point of that?

The film desperately wants to be American. With the exception of the few buildings you actually see, you'd hardly know this was in Germany. (Plus the fact that the dubbed version uses American accents.)

As for the girl he ends up with? No way. Why why why?

I watched the English dubbed version, so I suspect some things may have been lost in translation. This however does not make up for an essentially dull and predicable story.

A few comments here are saying this film is good. I see they're all German/Hungarian. It's nice to be patriotic and support your own films, but seriously - if you've seen American Pie - give this a miss.