Read Positive User Reviews for Toni Erdmann

8

Rebecca31Feb 12, 2017

I can’t begin to explain how bizarre this movie is, I’ll try but honestly I don’t know where to start. So a father tries to reconnect with his daughter by posing as her CEO's life coach. That’s the short version and I can’t say anymore forI can’t begin to explain how bizarre this movie is, I’ll try but honestly I don’t know where to start. So a father tries to reconnect with his daughter by posing as her CEO's life coach. That’s the short version and I can’t say anymore for fear of spoilers. All you need to know is Toni Erdmann is wonderfully quirky and awkwardly funny. Believe me when I say there are more than one absurdly awkward moments that will have you wondering whether to laugh or hide but with a unique and heart-warming story running through it you can’t help but like this movie. If you’re a fan of foreign language movies then this is a definite recommendation.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

8

netflicJan 16, 2017

It's a drama with plenty of absurdly funny episodes.
A father of a business woman sees his daughter too little and misses her.
He feels that beneath the facade of her successful life she is deeply unhappy. After his dog companion passesIt's a drama with plenty of absurdly funny episodes.
A father of a business woman sees his daughter too little and misses her.
He feels that beneath the facade of her successful life she is deeply unhappy.
After his dog companion passes away, he follows his daughter on her business trip and creates impossible situations trying his best to re-connect with his her.
Great performances from both leads.

e… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

10

krimokrimoDec 27, 2016

I have seen this film 10 times now and have no interest stopping to see it regularly. This is in my opinion one of the best contemporary dramas. Yes, its a drama, not a comedy, there is humor spread throughout and the deconstruction of humorI have seen this film 10 times now and have no interest stopping to see it regularly. This is in my opinion one of the best contemporary dramas. Yes, its a drama, not a comedy, there is humor spread throughout and the deconstruction of humor is one of the major themes, but the story itself is incredible tragic and so well grounded in reality by the amazing dialogue and performances, that it will get to you in one way or another. I'm saying all of this now that I have seen the film many times, and I remember that I thought the film was good and not more the first time. But with each time I rewatch it, I realize more and more what an thematically ambitious and masterfully written work of art this is. I recommend you to watch it atleast twice so you can pick up on all the details in the writing and the performances. And don't even go in this with the expectation this being a laugh riot, because its not.… Expand

7 of 8 users found this helpful71

All this user's reviews

8

LamontRaymondDec 26, 2016

If they had just cut out maybe 30 - 45 minutes from this film, it would be on everyone's top 10 list. Some genuinely funny and emotional moments in this film. In fact, people will be talking about a couple of scenes from this movie forIf they had just cut out maybe 30 - 45 minutes from this film, it would be on everyone's top 10 list. Some genuinely funny and emotional moments in this film. In fact, people will be talking about a couple of scenes from this movie for years, I have no doubt. The lead actors are really incredible.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

8

DirigiblePulpFeb 25, 2017

Truly, a comedy epic. Ok, that's mostly the length of the film talking. This is a classic high-concept comedy premise that's so deeply rooted in real human emotion that it only feels outlandish on reflection afterwards.

Quite a bit has beenTruly, a comedy epic. Ok, that's mostly the length of the film talking. This is a classic high-concept comedy premise that's so deeply rooted in real human emotion that it only feels outlandish on reflection afterwards.

Quite a bit has been said about the way in which the film refuses to conform to the typical route one like this would take - that of a woman finding a man, realizing she's a Type-A corporate **** who just needs to shut up and be a wife/mom, and all without ever explicitly stating that fact but implying it every step of the way.

Instead, this film meanders and wanders and roams and keeps finding ways to surprise and tickle. The jokes are long cons, ones with mostly huge payoffs. That Ines reaches her revelation both as a result of her father's antics and also her own self-realization feels especially real. What she needed was not so much a change of heart but to be surrounded by one decent person. It's the fault of other corporate cronies and sexist buffoons. It is a slight twist on the formula that makes it near revelatory. The ending eschews trite resolution, suggesting that happiness isn't magically forever after some grand realization but that it is comprised of moments and the mere ability to see that and experience that with someone you love is in itself revelation enough.

I would have preferred less slack direction in regards to the showy-unshowy "realism" camera work and scene pacing. There are some scenes that seem shot for no reason whatsoever and others that end abruptly or at absurdly inconvenient times. In short, it tries to be too cute with its form. I'm thinking in particular of the ending where Ines has a naked brunch (my lord when Toni shows up in that costume - haven't heard an audience laugh like that in while) and hilarity ensues as people show up naked until it ends with a well-timed hand on a shoulder. Suddenly people are putting on clothes and Toni leaves and Ines chases and there's no reason for any of it and the scene still had so much more to give. Then there's a strange long-winded follow-through in a park and a little girl and finally a hotel clerk pulling off a mask. A tighter sense of story there (and elsewhere) and we could be talking masterpiece.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

10

CMCJan 19, 2017

This film is very entertaining although it feels a bit long. Unlike almost all American films, the characters are very well developed. There are plenty of plot turns that are unlikely, but the overall strangeness and comic undertone are whatThis film is very entertaining although it feels a bit long. Unlike almost all American films, the characters are very well developed. There are plenty of plot turns that are unlikely, but the overall strangeness and comic undertone are what is important. Unlike La La Land, I woke up the next day thinking about the characters, the different scenes and how they were played.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

7

ReginthornMar 16, 2017

I am unsure of how I feel about Toni Erdmann. On the one hand, Toni Erdmann is a film with a huge heart. The premise is simple enough to follow. Essentially, a father (Winfried Conradi), in an existential crisis of sorts, uses an alter ego inI am unsure of how I feel about Toni Erdmann. On the one hand, Toni Erdmann is a film with a huge heart. The premise is simple enough to follow. Essentially, a father (Winfried Conradi), in an existential crisis of sorts, uses an alter ego in order to reconnect with his corporate-driven daughter. The corporation Conradi’s daughter works for is as stereotypically capitalistic as it gets. The film utilizes the process of globalization and corporate culture as a means to amplify the disconnect in the father/daughter relationship. The viewer gets the sense Winfriend was a hippie back in the day. Toni Erdmann often works because the characters are extremely complex. I enjoy films in which the characters exist without an explicit concern for audience expectations. Primary or secondary characters often ramble about subjects which are not necessarily tied to the main narrative. In these moments, the camera will focus on setting up characters in the background or illustrate the state of the speaker’s mind. The fictional events on screen are shown to be natural slices of life. Conradi is only predictable in that he is desperate to reconnect with his daughter, Ines. Often, Conradi as Toni Erdmann resorts to pranks in an attempt to goad out some repressed nature in Ines. Humor organically flows in the awkward situations Erdmann flings into. In short, Toni Erdmann has many moments which are pure comedy gold. The core nature of Toni Erdmann’s (the film) humor is laid bare near the film’s climax. The faults of Toni Erdmann, unfortunately, stem from some of the films’ strengths. As primarily a drama, the humor is inconsistent in where and how long it occurs. The film also allows characters a little too much breathing time. After a key moment, the camera decides it wants to follow the characters around. The argument could be said the choice aides in giving the characters an added depth towards physicality. By physicality, I mean the subtle body languages in a character. However, Toni Erdmann is an almost three-hour affair. A lot of people walked out around the film’s halfway point. Personally, I walked out of the theatre wishing the director had opted to cut about thirty minutes. Character development is at times made explicit in narrative exposition. As a result, the extra attention to body language feels a bit redundant. I might be being a little harsh due to my unfamiliarity with German cinema. Ultimately, I think the film was worth my time.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

7

LeZeeFeb 14, 2017

What do you think is worth living for?

I had tough time to figure it out what was the thing on the poster. Seeing it upside down, with mirror, name it, I used all the tricks I know, but nothing had worked. On the other hand, I thought itWhat do you think is worth living for?

I had tough time to figure it out what was the thing on the poster. Seeing it upside down, with mirror, name it, I used all the tricks I know, but nothing had worked. On the other hand, I thought it might be a fantasy film with a King Kong like creature. That's the curiosity it created, people to a have different opinions and forget to expect from the film. But it was a simple comedy-drama and only way to solve the mystery is to watch the film. That's what I finally did.

The opening scene was good. But I did not think the whole film would be like that. It was about a prankster and his attempts to reach his workaholic daughter, which was the entire narration. A lifetime trip for them, that's not about the challenges in the world or the nature, but their self-discovery, the meaning of life and purpose. This is one of the beautiful films to open up about a father and daughter relationship. In the grown-up world, the people forget to live the actual life, when they give all the focus to their professional life.

I have to agree, this is a competitive world and you will be replaced by millions of other waiting behind you for such opportunity. But does it all worth doing is the real question. Doubts like that won't arise without those who love us pointing it out. It needs to be asked properly, politely. But some people take an alternate route like in this film. Sometimes it ends in an unexpected adventure to just realise what they are into. And this film was honest, to reveal as much as it can in many angles.

This is the story of Winfried. An aged and divorced music teacher who makes practical jokes to people around him. After his dog died, he decides to reconnect with his only daughter Ines, who is now working in Romania. She is on the cusp to get her desired position in the office. On her one final push for that, is now getting distracted by her father. She who never understood her father's way of life, tries to get an answer out of him about the life. So that's where their journey begins. Some of the bold steps taken by them, the film accomplishes what it wanted to tell us in a unique way.

"The problem is it's so often about getting things done. You do this, You do that. And in the meantime, life just passes by."

The film was actually loosely based by the director's own father. The writing was brilliant. It reminded me 'Infinitely Polar Bear', because these women directors inspired by their fathers to show the world how their childhood was like. The actors were amazing, particularly those two in the main roles. I liked them both equally. From the different angle, they have given different performances. There's no surprise if you liked the film only because of them.

The film had won many prestigious awards around the globe and now its biggest stand off is at the 2017 Oscars which is a few weeks away. Another Scandinavian film, which is also nominated for the Oscar, is also about an old man like this one. But I think 'Under Sandet' is the frontrunner for the golden statue. Because we all know that America's and Academy's sentimental towards the WWII.

When it comes to rating, the film is strictly for adults. It was good in the initial parts, but there are some surprise nude and sex scenes. At that time I thought it lost its path, but actually that was the turning point where you are going to witness a different half of the film. Surely many people going love the second half more than the first.

At first, it looked like it is a German version of 'The Family Fang', but only more realistic with dark humour. It's difficult to understand every scene, especially in the first watch. Because without knowing the film characters, the events involving them look casual. Capable to get the sense of humour is the key here. So if you decide for the second time viewing, you will learn more about it. It is one of those films that second time watch necessary for some people.

Frankly, I did not think it was a great film, just after finish my watch. But thinking back about all those film events, made sense. By the time I decided to write this review, I was in its favour. That's the reason I won't write about the films right away. This is a great film, but you have to focus closely and understand everything, then you will have a great time. But remember, it is one of the longest film in the recent time, particularly for a comedy-drama, yet enjoyable. Recommended!

7/10… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

9

GinaKFeb 27, 2017

I think this is a fascinating film, and one of the best things about it is how the audience gradually caught on to what Inez’s estranged (and strange) father was trying to do here – give his daughter a sense of balance and perspective aboutI think this is a fascinating film, and one of the best things about it is how the audience gradually caught on to what Inez’s estranged (and strange) father was trying to do here – give his daughter a sense of balance and perspective about life. And at the end, she is still not quite convinced, I think, but I don’t want to include any plot spoilers. However, I think he has helped her (and us) make considerable progress toward understanding her/our own worth and desires. I guess its length is a problem for an American audience, but it is a movie like “Magnolia,” where you just have to surrender and “go with it” to enjoy it. And I have to confess that I’ve sat through a lot of Wagnerian operas, so listening to incomprehensible German and reading subtitles is not such a shock to me. If you try to relax and enjoy it and not be judgmental (like Inez), the action and craziness will carry you along, and I think you will find it rewarding. It’s a movie I will not soon forget, both for its craziness and for its message. I actually might want to see it again!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

9

ldweilerJan 27, 2017

It's hard to categorize this movie. Billed as a comedy, it is tears-running down-your-face hilarious at certain times, drolly funny elsewhere, slyly satirical at other times, sometimes just plain quirky and even squirmy-uncomfortable inIt's hard to categorize this movie. Billed as a comedy, it is tears-running down-your-face hilarious at certain times, drolly funny elsewhere, slyly satirical at other times, sometimes just plain quirky and even squirmy-uncomfortable in places. It's always interesting, though, and maybe even brilliant. At its core, Toni Erdmann is about core values, both personal and societal; about shifting power relationships in the workplace and within families; and about a father's love for his adult daughter and his struggle to find a way to connect with her. Critics love it, I think, for its subtlety, its unpredictability, and its blending or mashing of genres: comedy, social criticism, family drama, and even a dash of weepy melodrama. Plus, the performances of Peter Simonischek as Winfried/Toni and Sandra Hiller as his daughter, Ines, are sharp and completely believable.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

10

hristo-hrMar 13, 2017

You really need to relate to this movie to understand it! Also, you need to be patient. And in the right mood. But if you are, if you are a busy person with constant dilemmas between the personal and the professional, you will love the movie.You really need to relate to this movie to understand it! Also, you need to be patient. And in the right mood. But if you are, if you are a busy person with constant dilemmas between the personal and the professional, you will love the movie. The acting is superb, the story is deep and, because of the length of the film, the characters were developed with incredible depth.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

10

nevillejohnJul 13, 2020

might be my favorite movie ever. hilarious, endearing, relatable, smart. if you like sarcasm or "black humor" you'll love this.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

DawdlingPoetFeb 26, 2022

I found this quite amusing. Its not permanently laugh out loud funny but there are some pretty funny scenes and it focusses on social awkwardness, primarily for the career focussed daughter, Ines, so if you don't like cringe-y moments thenI found this quite amusing. Its not permanently laugh out loud funny but there are some pretty funny scenes and it focusses on social awkwardness, primarily for the career focussed daughter, Ines, so if you don't like cringe-y moments then this may not be for you (the comedy is sometimes slapstick in nature). Its fair to say she finds herself having to deal with a father who is a practical joker, a tease of sorts, which doesn't necessarily go down well when she's with important colleagues and clients. I enjoyed this film. I was surprised there was so much English present actually as I'd assumed it to be primarily German but there are a number of scenes featuring people representing companies who speak English, so perhaps if your curious about watching foreign language films, this is a half way house a bit, as its not exclusively in a foreign language? (perhaps a third of the film is in English, something like that) having said that, I can't not point out that it is a long watch at almost 2 and three quarter hours long but I certainly enjoyed it and didn't find myself wishing it would end anytime soon, which means its a pretty good film in my book. I would recommend this film, yes.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews