1 1/2 Ritter - Auf der Suche nach der hinreißenden Herzelinde

I was incredibly surprised that I enjoyed this film, but I found it to be one of the best 'Friday Night' comedies I have seen for a long time. Even though the film is subtitled and scripted in German (never my first port of call for issues of comedy) I laughed out loud (genuinely, not the trite LOL of social media) at several points. It is an historical romp that sensitively touches on several issues and has several modern day references that could ruin a film, but actually fit in. I loved the idea of a psychiatrist analysing the German equivalent of Robin Hood and concluding 'You've got a problem!' and I thought the idea of fans of a boy band throwing their chastity belts at the singers instead of their underwear an amusing sideline. The sensitive addressing of certain issues puts this film ahead of the crass denials of The Holy Grail and other similar comedies. I also loved the idea of inviting a sympathetic gaoler - and his daughters - to your own wedding a pleasant touch. This film has touches of the Holy Grail, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, The Man of La Mancha, Les Visiteurs, The Blackadder, Time Bandits and Jabberwocky all mixed together but given an unique feel - all in German with sub titles. I also found the slightly unusual musical score refreshingly good - I would like to know if a recording of just the score is available. The Knight of the title is a Superstar Knight who falls from favour - and is imprisoned - because he failed to protect the Princess he was meant to be guarding, but he is then given a chance to redeem himself by searching for the kidnapped princess, whom he adores. The Half-a-Knight from the title is a Christian Moorish con-man (what a concept!) whose very existence touches upon many modern issues, and whose role is sensitively played. I suspect the negative reviews are from viewers who could not see beyond the mixing of modern with medieval (there was a decision to add a New Kids on the Block concert that makes little sense apart from the comic issues that arise therefrom). Perhaps those reviewers should remember that this is a comic romp and is not intended to be historically accurate! In fact there are some interesting performances here (albeit no great acting moments), sensitive treatment of certain issues and the occasional genuine laugh-out-loud moment of real comedy. I will definitely watch this film again (and again)

There isn't even a year between this and the release of Til Schweiger's previous film, "Keinohrhasen" ("Rabbit without Ears"). Thankfully, he didn't write the script this time around, so in the ever-growing Schweiger canon this film stands out: Instead of making a romantic comedy about an irresponsible manchild who learns to commit to a meaningful relationship by the end, this one is a broad medieval comedy. It has therefore more in common with similar German period spoof films, like the "7 Zwerge" ("7 dwarfs") movies or the earlier films by Michael Herbig, although none of these are set in medieval times.

A big advantage of Schweiger giving screenwriting duties to other people is the fact that he plays a different character than in all his other movies. His stale performance in "Keinohrhasen" didn't convince me of his acting talent, but I found him rather enjoyable here. He is still sloppily mumbling through his lines and his face muscles rarely move, but put a silly wig on him and write him as somewhat socially awkward, and you can make his role kind of funny and refreshing.

All the other players in this movie, most of them television personalities rather than actors, don't venture out of their comfort zone, and are therefore not as refreshing. The casting of Thomas Gottschalk as King Gunther is technically spot-on, but unfortunately Gottschalk takes his role far too seriously. Same for Udo Kier. The only genuinely good performance comes from Rick Kavanian, but that doesn't mean he made me laugh.

That's because the script is painfully unfunny. Some of the comedy bits are lifted from better films, and stupid pseudo-gags are extended way beyond what is appropriate. Which might be the reason behind the long running time. There is no justification for this movie being almost two hours long, it just makes its glaring writing and pacing issues even more apparent.

Many movies like this feature some anachronistic jokes, which often makes it hard for me to develop some interest or belief in their fictional worlds, but those jokes are often reserved for quick one liners, and since these films are typically quite fast-paced, they don't take me out of the story. In "1 1/2 Ritter," however, the pacing is painfully slow, so there is nothing to compensate for all the jokes that don't land or take you out of the movie. The performances, as described above, are very low-energy, so even they don't compensate for the lack of genuine comedy writing. Compare this to the movies I listed as comparisons above (which, mind, are no masterpieces either).

As a director, Schweiger is clearly out of his depth directing action scenes. A movie like this doesn't need good action because, unlike most historical dramas, the story doesn't require extended fight scenes, but that didn't stop Schweiger from including them anyway. And because he apparently couldn't afford a stunt double to perform some good choreography, all of them consist of rapidly edited close-ups of Schweiger going "hrrrng!" and violently punching his enemies.

As for improvements: At least the pictures in the film have a little more colour in them than in "Keinohrhasen," the camera work in general is pretty good, and the soundtrack is well-placed and might even be listenable if you listen to it independent from the movie.

Well I must say first that lately I've become bored with movies. Kind of an overdose, really, with at least one or two movies a day for the last 3 years. Always the same plots, the same actors, the same styles, the same politically correct and, well, the same everything. So I saw this one thinking that it was going to be the same... again. And boy was I wrong! Of course, there are some "deja vu" things here : the spirit of Shrek, a scene from François Ier with Fernandel, some souvenirs from Princess Bride, some from Kaamelott... But all witty and with good rhythm, and curiously, somehow new. I loved the actors, all unknown to me (though strangely it's been like I've known them forever instantly) but all very good at their part, the casting is outstanding because every character is just so perfectly what you'd expect him/her to be, Lanze wear so seriously his ridiculous hairdo, the Black Knight is so charming, the king so good, the bad one so creepy, the princess so spoiled yet lovable... Anyway, I've spent a very entertaining moment, and I wasn't able to stop before the end, nor did I want to do so, though this has happened to me countless times for other movies lately. It's very well acted, and everything in it just feels right. For me, it's an instant classic. A great and lovable movie, really.

I saw this film yesterday and could not stop laughing, as most of the crowd in the almost sold-out theatre. This is very well made and full of surprises. The cast ist first-rate, especially Tobias Moretti delivers his best performance. You can feel that they had a lot of fun in the making of it. After his mega-success with "Keinohrhasen". Til Schweiger has done it again. Production values are top notch and as good as Hollywood standarts. Cinematography and sound effects are first class. There is even a new song by New Kids on the Block. This Til Schweiger guy really knows how to please his audience. This is also a film for the whole family and for repeated viewings!

This Movie tries to tell the story of Lanze who is in love with the princess. One day the princess is kidnapped by the Dark Knight and Lanze starts his journey to rescue her. But he is not alone because Erdal, a turk, joins him on his journey.

This movie is not funny. OK maybe one part with Roberto Blanco but thats it. Screenedit is worst and you cant find any serial red line throw the story to follow the content. The jokes aren't good and the acting is also miserable. This movie is like a mix of Craig Mazins "Superhero Movie" and Brian Helgelands "A Knight's Tale" with typical German influences. Kind of Slapstick comedy without the comedy (like Superhero Movie).

Summary : 1 1/2 hours waste of time 3/10