Barfuss

Til Schweiger's "Barefoot" is a heartfelt and deeply charming film that captivates with its simplicity and genuine emotion. It tells the story of Nick, a charming slacker, and Leila, a fragile mental patient, as they embark on an unexpected journey together. The film's strength lies in its beautifully understated performances, particularly from Johanna Wokalek as Leila, who brings a captivating innocence and vulnerability to her role. Schweiger, as both director and star, perfectly balances the comedic and dramatic elements, creating a film that is both laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely touching. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, making their evolving relationship feel incredibly real and earned. While the plot may follow some familiar beats, the film's warmth and sincerity make it a truly memorable experience.

Is it worth watching? Yes, absolutely. It's a feel-good film with a big heart that will leave you smiling.

I thought this film would be one of those tried and true romantic comedy genre sorts. And the major underlying theme in the film was indeed romance and comedy but it didn't feel rehashed or trite.

Certainly the story isn't very deep but 95% of the films out there aren't deep, we watch them to escape into a story. Barfuss weaves a sweet story that has laugh out loud bits mixed in with some really touching moments.

I would most compare this film with Rainman, definitely not as good as Rainman but the story is similar.

Anyway, if you're looking for a date film, or just in the mood for a good laugh give this German gem a go. Regards, Nikki

You may try to dislike this dramedy. Unless you're really determined you probably won't make it. While some people may be turned off by something or other, most will have to admit that this is actually quite a nice effort from first-time-on-his-own-director and with-some-assistance-producer/writer/editor/star Schweiger. But the worst thing I can say about the movie is that the reduced color scheme didn't appeal to me all that much. Not because it was reduced, but because it made everything look as if the sun was continually setting.

Mostly it is a terribly nice little story with Wokalek's timid performance wonderfully contrasting Schweiger's character's arrogance that turns into love during the course of the movie. The character development actually works and seems pretty believable... Add some very good supporting performances from Michael Mendl, Imogen Kogge, and Steffen Wink and you get a very nice, sweetly romantic and incredibly funny picture. I wish Schweiger had managed to pull off the same trick again with "Keinohrhasen", which was nowhere near as good.

Watch it with the person you love.

This movie is simply the best combination of drama/comedy/romance I have seen in the past year. I popped into it (thank God at the very beginning!) while going through TV channels one late evening before going to bed... Well, two hours after that I was still glued to the screen because the movie caught me - first, the face of Til Schweiger, then the plot, the conversations... I was crying and laughing and crying again and couldn't wait for the movie to finish to know whether it will be a happy or not-so-happy or totally unhappy end, but at the same time wanted it to continue for as long as possible because I enjoyed it so much.

What happens if a loser, who can't keep a job, doesn't remember the name of the girl he last slept with and has some trouble with his family meets a 25-year-old who had been kept inside by her mother for 19 years and tries to kill herself? Nick, the loser, takes Leila on a trip to his parents and accidentally he falls in love. Well, I won't tell more, and I won't spoil this because you really can't tell whether it's going to be a happy ending or not. Of course this movie made me cry but it's great that in the next scenes you can laugh again...laughing in tears, one of the greatest feelings. Til Schweiger did a great job directing it (the movie being dedicated to his kids) and playing Nick. I think it's the greatest German movie within year, and maybe the best without Nazis and WWII.