This is a road/buddy movie with a difference. Both parties are terminally ill. This film deals with the tragedy of their circumstances in a hilarious but sympathetic manner.
Martin, arrogant and impatient, suffering from a terminal brain tumour meets Rudi, mild mannered and introverted, suffering from leukaemia in a hospital. They decide to drown their sorrows and end up driving in a stolen car across Germany into Holland in order to see the sea once before they die. The car belongs to a bunch of bungling crooks and what follows is both funny and touching.
If you make allowances for some German slapstick this film is very enjoyable with a lot of genuinely funny moments. Moritz Bleibtreu plays a Turkish immigrant who’s grasp of German leaves a lot to be desired. Unfortunately these language gags don’t translate too well into subtitles, so an understanding of the language helps. This is a good example of German humour at its best. Watch out for the surprise cameo of Rutger Hauer in the only English speaking part.
