If you’re a fan of thoughtful European cinema, then get ready for a treat. In this roundup article, we take a look at the impressive work of Maja Schone, a renowned European filmmaker. Join us as we delve into her compelling movies that offer not only visual pleasure but also leave us pondering about the world around us.
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1. Schluss mit lustig! (2001)
In the heartwarming German comedy “Schluss mit lustig! “ (2001), Felix is a serial dater who finds comfort in his quirky flatmates, Moritz, Jan, and his sister, Regina. When both Jan and Regina leave, Felix takes this chance to embark on his own romantic journey. However, his attempts at love lead to a series of comedic mishaps, as Felix struggles to find the right match.
2. Königskinder (2003)
“Königskinder”, a 2003 German drama film, is a heart-wrenching tale of young love and aspirations, exploring the journey of two individuals as they navigate adolescence and life’s challenges. The story revolves around Abel, an 18-year-old boy who dreams of escaping his small-town life as a lock keeper to become a stuntman in the USA. His plans are complicated when he learns that his girlfriend Merle is pregnant.
3. Der Traum vom Süden (2004)
“Der Traum vom Süden” is a lighthearted, drama-comedy film set in 2004. The story follows Thomas Wallner, who unexpectedly inherits management of his family’s boutique, while his daughter Elke inherits a dilapidated house in Spain.
4. Cowgirl (2004)
Cowgirl is a quirky German comedy film set in a small suburb of Hamburg. Paula, a middle-class housewife, is stuck in a dreamy life with her insurance salesman husband, Edgar. Everything changes when her long-lost childhood sweetheart, Max, returns, desperately seeking help from the city’s perilous underworld.
5. Das Zimmermädchen (2005)
“Das Zimmermädchen” is a 2005 German romance film that captivates the audience with its alluring storyline. Directed by Matthias Tiefenbacher, the movie boasts a stunning cast led by Stefanie Stappenbeck, Axel Milberg, and Angelika Thomas. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque island, the film revolves around a seductress who tries to entice a young gynecologist, leading him into a web of passion and temptation.
6. Deutschmänner (2006)
“Deutschmänner” is a hilarious German comedy film that premiered in 2006. The story revolves around Macedonian Don, who returns home after completing his studies but finds himself in an awkward situation. Roommate Hedi comes up with a creative solution: a marriage of convenience. However, none of Don’s potential brides are convinced to go through with the plan.
7. Mörderische Erpressung (2006)
Mörderische Erpressung, also known as “Murderous Extortion, “ is a gripping German crime drama that premiered in 2006. The movie follows the story of Klaus Burck, a village policeman who is assigned a new female reinforcement, fresh from the Hamburg police academy.
8. Buddenbrooks (2008)
“Buddenbrooks” is a captivating 2008 drama film set in 19th century Lübeck, a prominent town on the Baltic coast. The story centers around the influential Buddenbrook family, whose patriarch Consul Jean Buddenbrook, played by Armin Mueller-Stahl, has a loving yet demanding expectation from his children, Thomas, Christian, and Antonia (Tony) — that they should prioritize their family’s business over their personal happiness.
9. 1. Mai (2008)
“1. Mai” is a compelling drama film that unfolds on the chaotic backdrop of Berlin’s Kreuzberg district during the annual May Day celebrations. The heart-wrenching story weaves together the lives of an eleven-year-old Turkish boy named Yavuz, two young men from a small town, and a cuckolded policeman from the sticks.
10. Tender Parasites (2009)
In “Tender Parasites”, a young couple is featured as they exploit the vulnerabilities of others to sustain their own lives. The film delves into the heart-wrenching reality that the girl visits a lonely elderly woman, while the boy enters the home of a grieving couple who have lost their son, all for the sake of money.
11. Summertime Blues (2009)
In the heart of summer, fifteen-year-old Alex’s world is turned on its head when his parents’ marriage crumbles and they swiftly remarry. Amidst the chaos, Alex’s life takes an unexpected turn when his mother decides to take him to England. As Alex adapts to his new surroundings and grapples with the aftermath of his parents’ divorce, he finds himself navigating a tumultuous journey filled with colorful characters and unexpected twists.
12. The Fire (2011)
In “The Fire, “ Judith, a 35-year-old self-confident woman, undergoes a harrowing experience when she is raped on her way home after a night out. Shaking the core of her existence, Judith battles to maintain her life as it once was. With the guidance of her lawyer, she is advised to press charges against her attacker but is left reeling when the fallout threatens to destroy the very essence of her life.
13. Sternstunde ihres Lebens (2014)
Sternstunde ihres Lebens, released in 2014, is a captivating historical drama that recounts the life of Elisabeth Selbert, a trailblazing politician and lawyer determined to secure equal rights for women and men in the German constitution. Set in the tumultuous post-war era of 1949, this gripping tale unfolds against the backdrop of nation-building and the struggle for true democracy.
14. Frau Roggenschaubs Reise (2015)
“Frau Roggenschaubs Reise” is a thought-provoking drama film released in 2015. Directed by Kai Wessel and featuring a remarkable cast led by Hannelore Hoger, Christian Redl, and Michaela May, this movie dives deep into the themes of friendship, resilience, and the human spirit.
15. Neu in unserer Familie (2016)
“Neu in unserer Familie” is a fresh and hilarious German comedy that brings laughter and intrigue in equal measure. The film revolves around a family struggling to come to terms with a series of unusual and unexpected events. As the plot unfolds, viewers are treated to a series of lighthearted and often absurd situations that test the bonds of family and friendship.
16. Eine fremde Tochter (2019)
“Eine fremde Tochter” weaves a heart-wrenching tale of abandonment, love, and redemption. Follow the life of Oliver, a former European champion in the decathlon and recent divorcé. His relationship with his 15-year-old daughter Alma, left in his care after his ex-wife’s tragic death, is strained at best, due to circumstances from their past.
17. Blochin: Das letzte Kapitel (2019)
“Blochin: Das letzte Kapitel” (2019) is a gripping crime drama that captivates viewers with its suspenseful plot. Directed and written by Matthias Glasner, this intense movie stars Jürgen Vogel, Thomas Heinze, and Maja Schöne in their lead roles. The film follows the life of Blochin, a man with a dark past, and his journey towards redemption.
18. The Man Who Ate the World (2020)
“The Man Who Ate the World” is a thought-provoking and intense drama that explores the depths of male hubris, repressed emotions, unconscious depression, and the relentless pursuit of success in a capitalist world that leaves no room for vulnerability. Directed by Johannes Suhm and Lena Lessing, this powerful film stars Johannes Suhm, Hannes Hellmann, and Maja Schöne.
