''What a Man'' is a 2011

German German(s) may refer to: * Germany, the country of the Germans and German things **Germania (Roman era) * Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language ** For citizenship in Germany, see also Ge ...

comedy film The comedy film is a film genre that emphasizes humor. These films are designed to amuse audiences and make them laugh. Films in this genre typically have a happy ending, with dark comedy being an exception to this rule. Comedy is one of the o ...

directed by

Matthias Schweighöfer Matthias Schweighöfer (; born 11 March 1981) is a German actor and filmmaker known for his work in several German and American film productions. He is best known for his role as Lieutenant Franz Herber in the 2008 film ''Valkyrie''. In 2021, Sch ...

. It was well received by German critics and also a success at the box office. It received US$17.3 million at the box office

Plot

30-year-old elementary school teacher Alex discovers that his girlfriend Carolin has an affair with their neighbour, photographer Jens, and is forced to move out of their shared flat. He moves in with his friend, animal welfare activist Nele who has a long-distance-relationship with her French boyfriend Etienne who lives in China. Alex tries to find out why his relationship with Carolin failed and what actually constitutes a man. Meanwhile he and Nele who were in love with each other since primary school fall in love again.

Cast

as Alexander * Sibel Kekilli as Nele * Elyas M'Barek as Okke * Mavie Hörbiger as Carolin * Milan Peschel as Volker * Thomas Kretschmann as Jens * Lilay Huser as Okke's Grandma * Nora Jokhosha as Laura * Theresa Underberg as Stine * Joel Federico Laczlò Wüstenberg as Alexander's student * Gitta Schweighöfer as Ms. Schlupp * Friedrich Mücke as Doctor * Katharina Schüttler as Mrs. at Checkin * Pasquale Aleardi as Etienne * Nora Tschirner Lady in the Panda-Costume * Paul Alhäuser * Andreas Nowak * Patrick Sass as Barkeeper

Reception in the United States

Aaron Coleman of '' Backstage'' found "copying its American counterparts" made the film "warmly endearing".
Farran Smith Nehme of the ''

New York Post The ''New York Post'' (''NY Post'') is an American Conservatism in the United States, conservative daily Tabloid (newspaper format), tabloid newspaper published in New York City. The ''Post'' also operates three online sites: NYPost. ...

'' felt the plot was predictable and added "even the camera work is predictable".
Calhoun Kersten of ''www.filmmonthly.com'' called this film "so disarmingly charming that its faults don't stop it from being an incredibly enjoyable film", no matter whether "you feel like you’ve seen it all before".
Frank Scheck of ''

The Hollywood Reporter ''The Hollywood Reporter'' (''THR'') is an American digital and print magazine which focuses on the Cinema of the United States, Hollywood film industry, film, television, and entertainment industries. It was founded in 1930 as a daily trade pap ...

'' judged that despite "its slavish adherence to familiar genre conventions" the film provided "reasonably fun viewing" because of its "off-kilter humor" and the "chemistry exhibited by Schweighofer and Kekilli".
Sandrine Sahakians of ''www.filmequals.com'' recommended the film to "anyone looking to put a smile on their faces".
Andy Webster of the ''

New York Times ''The New York Times'' (''NYT'') is an American daily newspaper based in New York City. ''The New York Times'' covers domestic, national, and international news, and publishes opinion pieces, investigative reports, and reviews. As one of ...

'' conceded ''What a Man'' possibly quoted some well-known patterns but added "its sureness of tone" made Schweighöfer "a talent to watch".

References

External links

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:What a Man 2011 films 2010s German-language films 2011 directorial debut films 2011 romantic comedy films German romantic comedy films Films directed by Matthias Schweighöfer Films set in Frankfurt 2010s German films