Männer zum Knutschen

'Men to Kiss' is a heartfelt comedy with two main characters I could watch all day long. They both are quirky, relatable, and lovable in their own way. And I was impressed with how professional this movie was produced. As a German who watches German TV regularly, this film was far above what one would expect on German TV, and I can see how it won international awards.

Even though one might have been able to guess how the film ends - like in most romantic comedies - 'Men to Kiss' offered some astounding elements and scenes all throughout the film, which spiced up the whole story.

The orchestra music underlined the whole film in a very coherent way and made some scenes even more emotional. It also showed the dedication and passion the filmmakers put into the production.

Overall, I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with the main actors, and I would recommend this film to anyone who wants to have a heart filled with love after watching this charming comedy.

Männer zum Knutschen (2012), directed by Robert Hasfogel, is a German film shown in the U.S. as "Men to Kiss." Ernst (Frank Christian Marx) is a rather serious young banker, who is in a relationship with Tobi (Udo Lutz). Tobi is a will-of-the-wisp relaxed guy who lives to obtain pleasure for himself and others.

Ernie's childhood best friend, Uta (the beautiful Alexandra Starnitzky) arrives determined to destroy the relationship. (Also, if necessary, to destroy Tobi.) The plot of the movie is the interaction among the three of them. Added to the mix are Tobi's friends--some gay, some straight. It becomes clear to everyone--except, of course, Ernst--that if the relationship is to survive, Uta must be forced to leave. Uta, however, is a tough customer, who won't leave without a struggle.

Although I enjoyed the film, there were some weak aspects to it. Uta was so impossibly evil that even Ernst would have caught on sooner rather than later. Tobi's charm appealed to Ernst in the film, but would it appeal to him in real life? Would he really want a partner-- straight or gay--who lived solely for pleasure? We have to accept that for Ernst the answer was "yes." My thought was that sooner or later Ernst would want someone who cared about art, literature, politics, gay rights--something other than the next diversion.

Still, "Men to Kiss" was a pleasant enough movie. I enjoyed it, and would recommend it, although I don't think it's worth seeking out and seeing at all costs. The film was shown at the Little Theatre as part of the excellent ImageOut--the Rochester LGBT Film & Video Festival.

German comedy.... the definition of a contradiction in terms.

From an impressive line up at Queer Screen's Mardi Gras Film Festival, Men to Kiss was a highly memorable film.

The storyline is cute, funny and silly whilst remaining somehow believable and real. There are some great twists and subtle turns. Full of encapsulated moments, the film explores that line between friendship and obsession- an obsession born of unfulfilled desires and unrequited passion.

Frank Christian Marx is sweet and pitiful and at the same time brave and strong as the innocent Ernst. Udo Lutz is vibrant and assured, yet vulnerable and (rightfully) insecure as the adoring boyfriend Tobi. With a talented pool of actors it's hard not to love all the major players in some part as well as the oddball characters they meet along the way.

Filmed in Berlin, Men to Kiss gives a snapshot into the lives of a group of close, quirky friends and *their* Berlin. A place for friendship, romance, unpredictable nights and unforgettable moments.

Starting from the end and skipping back in time, you invariably know where the story is going to end- but not the why and the how, which makes the last few moments of the film excruciatingly tense in a very funny way. An enjoyable, fantastical debut from Ente Kross Film, it will be interesting to see what they come up with next.

Here comes something unexpected. A German gay screwball comedy. The movie is a very enjoyable tale of friendship, relationships and the power of true love. It's a little movie with a bigger than life heart and very inspiring actors. I find myself falling in love with the lead Frank Christian Marx. An actor who I never heard before of but who's totally worth checking out. His portray of a clueless guy who has to choose between the love of his life and his female best friend is the real deal of the film. But the other performances are good as well, especially the villain is a very enjoyable woman you love to hate. A very big plus is the music which is something very different from other German movies, it sounds much more like a mix between Disney and danny elfman. I really liked it much more than I thought I would.