Das letzte Wort

Who really has to have the last word? And is that even possible? Technically speaking that is - so no pun intended and no math involved. Life is not endless. Whether or how often we face the fact we will leave (one way or another and according to our belief system the goal/destination may vary) ... at least the body we inhabit ... that is up to us. Movies and shows are here to remind us of that at times - like this one right here.

And while this does not hold a candle compared to Six Feet under (I would try not to compare it with that - even if you find it has some similarities story wise), it never really tried to compete in that business (again sorry for the pun). Family business can be killer - well not entirely literal that is. Good TV show from Germany, with a great Anke Engelke ... she knows her stuff for sure - and ages with grace.

I joined IMDb just to write this review and encourage fellow English-speakers to watch this series. It is a very warm-hearted show that deals with death, that most uncomfortable of topics, in a way that is humourous and poignant, without being at all cloying or sentimental. The tone is understated, quiet, and a little "offbeat," but not too self-consciously so. The characters are all beautifully observed and acted and it is thoroughly enjoyable to share their company through the episodes. Special mention for the fabulous Anke Engelke, the central character, who just exudes a kind of lovable humane warmth--it is almost impossible not to like her. But all of the supporting cast are wonderful too, perhaps especially Nina Gummich and Thorsten Merten. Just wonderfully conceived and realized show all round. May be my all-time favourite on Netflix.

Fabelhafte Serie über die wesentlichen Dinge rund ums Sterben! Rund um die Erinnerung an den/die Verstorbene(n). Wenn Familien und Bestattungunternehmen miteinander streiten. Wenn individuelle Ideen von Trauernden zu tollen Trauerfeiern werden. Wenn familiäre Konflikte nach dem Tod eines Angehörigen endlich Lösungen finden. Phantastisch umgesetzt von Hauptdarstellerin Anke Engelke, ihren RollenpartnerInnen - und den Drehbuchautoren, den Serien-Erfindern.

I couldn't sit through more than 5 minutes of this. Dumb egocentrics with lots of money celebrate and someone is apparently going to die (don't know). Why just one, and not all? Watch the Flintstones instead; that show has relatable, well-developed characters that are lacking in this outgrowth of German bourgeois banality.

This is a very, a very good show! The first thing to say is, that the actors are overall absolutely convincing. Anke Engelke and Thorsten Merten are a fantastic od couple. Merten also had the idea for the show. He is a excellent German actor with roots in east Germany. Best known for his work with Andreas Dresen. Just to mention his character Chris Düring in the wonderful tragic comedy HALBE TREPPE. It is a pleasure to see him teaming up with German superstar of comedy and drama films, the one and only Anke Engelke. But there are also young rising actors like Aaron Hilmer who had a skyrocketing performance in the surprise movie hit of 2018, DAS SCHÖNSTE MÄDCHEN DER WELT. Nina Gummich Johannes Zeiler, Juri Winkler and mean but charming grandma Gudrun Ritter. They all make the Fazius - Family - Clan a real pleasure to watch. The Dialog is well written and the scripts have a wonderful balance in drama and comic relief. Life an death are brothers in arms and this show helps us to get prepared for what is waiting out there for all of us. If it is the sudden death of a loved one or the way how you want to be remembered by the ones you left behind ... The showrunner and the directors did a marvelous job and we have to thank German super - dooper - megastar Matthias Schweighöfer because he is the founder of Pantaleon, the Production Company that made this diamond of a German dramedy possible. For those about to Rock, we salute you!!! ... I really hope that there will be a second season!