Steffen Wink Movies

German writer-director Til Schweiger's romantic comedy Barefoot (Barfuss) concerns itself with the plight of Nick Keller (Schweiger) a young man branded as an outcast and a ne'er-do-well by his exorbitantly wealthy family. Unable to hold a permanent job, and harboring deep-seated contempt for anyone in a position of authority, Nick retains the admiration and respect of only his mother, who persistently believes that one day, he will somehow rise above his loser past and accomplish something of merit. Indeed, this appears to be the case when Nick accepts a job at a psychiatric clinic and saves a troubled young woman namedLeila (Johanna Wokalek) from suicide, but she soon turns up at his home late one night, barefoot and clad in a nightgown. This issue-ridden girl battles post-traumatic stress disorder from her mother's untimely death, and harbors a phobia about being touched. Nonetheless, a quirky and unpredictable romance soon blossoms between Nick and Leila, and they set out together on an unforgettable road trip. For the first occasion in his life, Nick soon becomes accountable to someone other than himself. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

Two funnymen find themselves confronting tragedy just as they're poised to enjoy a career triumph in this comedy-drama. Paul (Steffan Wink) and Alex (Frank Giering) are two friends who are struggling stand-up comics; Paul was born with a surplus of confidence and a deficiency in self-control (especially when it comes to women), while Alex is the archetypal nice guy who finishes last. A nationwide competition for young comics is announced, and both Paul and Alex make it into the finals; one of Paul's greatest dreams is to work with comedy legend Rob Patterson (Simon Prescott), and winning would make it a reality. When Alex discovers he's contracted cancer and has only a short time to live, he puts his own ambitions on hold to help Paul win, but it takes Paul a while to realize just what Alex's sacrifice truly means. Der Himmel Kann Warten received its American premiere at the 2001 Cinequest San Jose Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Victor Hugo's classic story of one man's struggle to redeem himself -- and another man's efforts to bring him down -- is brought to the screen again (there have been at least 18 previous screen adaptations) in this epic-scale television production with a distinguished international cast. Jean Valjean (Gerard Depardieu) is a man forced by circumstance into a life of crime when he steals bread to ease his hunger, ending up behind bars for 19 years. Upon his release, the destitute Valjean attempts to rob the home of a bishop, but the bishop takes pity on him, and Valjean turns over a new leaf, becoming an honest and upright businessman and civic leader. But Javert (John Malkovich), a former guard at the prison where Valjean served time, is now the Chief of Police, and he's determined not to let Valjean live down his criminal past. Les Miserables also features Jeanne Moreau, Virginie Ledoyen, Christian Clavier, and Asia Argento; the miniseries was produced in two versions, a French-language version for European television that ran eight hours, and a four-hour English-language adaptation that was broadcast in a pair of two-hour installments on January 7 and 8, 2001, on the Fox Family Channel. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

One of Germany's most important female directors, Doris Dörrie chose the subject of the universal quest for happiness for the film Bin ich Schön?. Set in Spain and Germany, the film interlaces individual stories of broken hearts and broken dreams with aspirations of new beginnings. On a hot afternoon in Spain, Linda is standing beside the road wearing a thin summer dress and carrying a handbag. A car stops and Werner, a robust-looking German, picks her up. She shows him a note which says, "I am deaf-mute and in need of your help." Werner is touched. As they move off together, Linda throws her handbag out of the window. In a near-by motel, Klaus is on the phone to Munich trying to convince his reluctant girlfriend Franziska to come down to Spain. Linda and Werner have checked into the next room where Werner is asking Linda to hit him with his belt. Plots and subplots intertwine until the film reaches a climax during a religious procession. In an ironic way, the film celebrates life with a message that life is here today and then it's gone. No beginning, no end and enjoy it while you can. Bin ich schön? was screened as part of the New German Films at the 49th International Berlin Film Festival, 1999. ~ Gönül Dönmez-Colin, Rovi