Gernstls Reisen - Auf der Suche nach dem Glück

As I love documentaries, i had to watch this movie about Gernstl and his two friends, driving through Germany and German-speaking countries. In Germany, especially in Bavaria this group is cult, because of the long time they are showing the country through a unconventional point of view. For 23 years they are traveling and interviewing people, an this movie is like the "best of". The most fascinating is the simplicity. It's the fact that the most interesting stories are written by life. And last but not least, the fabulous soundtrack that underlines the feeling (a mix between melancholia, lust for life and honesty) this movie gets across. In my eyes the "Urdocumentary" and one of the best ever.

"In 1983 we bought a green bus. Then we bought a red one, then a blue one and finally a red one again. That's what the movie is about".

That's the beginning of the best documentary of the year. Franz Xaver Gernstl and his little team have traveled 20 years through Germany. Gernstl doesn't talk much, he let the people talk. And that is what makes the difference. You may say that his way of interviewing is typically Bavarian. Few words, rough humor, but from the heart.

The journey began 1983 and it isn't over yet. But Gernstl and his crew have found for what they are looking for. "Cruising around on the search for something. At that time we thought, on the search for the best women, the best beer and the best bratwursts. And actually were we on the search for people, who know how to live." Trough the movie the director uses the wonderful music of René Aubry, which benefits the whole picture, and he concludes it with a gospel version of "What a wonderful world". "Gernstls Reisen - Auf der Suche nach dem Glück" makes you feel good. Because you realize that luck and joy is right before your doorstep.

This movie - shot over more than twenty years - provides a very uncomplicated and sympathetic view of some German and Austrian lifestyle. Gerstl and his two friends visit many different people, not knowing what they where looking for, but finally asking them all for their secret of happiness.

The particular feature of this movie lies in the modest, natural and honest way of contacting and interviewing people and it's unarty cinematography. In each episode the audience has the chance to become a part of the lives and take a piece of their happiness.

not more to say - watch it!