After one or two motionless shots of the German landscape playing the part of . . . the German landscape . . . we don't need a third, fourth, or fifth shot to tell us not much is going on in Schultze's world. It's annoying to have that stationary camera recording, recording, recording, while the actors walk on or off--mostly off--and we sit waiting for something to happen. Perhaps that's what they should have titled this film: "Waiting for Something to Happen." When something finally does happen (Schultze gets to the bayou) nothing really happens because he doesn't get to play his accordion and he don't speak English (or Cajun). So he dies. Excuse me, Mr. Michael Schorr, but I can tell you're not making this for an American audience because you have deliberately obscured anything which might be mistaken for a plot, and you know how much we backward, traditionalist Americans are stuck in our rut of plot and character (ideas coined by another European--Aristotle). Schultze (Horst Krause) IS a character, a gentle one--reminds me of Gert Frobe in "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines" without the bluster--but, doggone, give the man a script to act, Herr Direktor. Und Himmel! why must we see him in a Speedo? If you want to watch a stationary camera filming nothing in particular, I would recommend Andy Warhol's "Empire State Building," which ought to cure you of such cinematic compulsions. At least Warhol knew how to aim the camera properly so that his subject filled the frame, rather than cinematographer Axel Schneppat's habit of framing his subjects' faces dead-center, giving us half a frame of German grey sky. If this was intentional, it is not genius, just plain cussedness; if unintentional, it is gross incompetence. Europhiles (and I am one), take note: This film is kind to us Americans, showing us as generous and innocent. But there is no passion in it, as if the director was too timid to take a stand of any sort . . . and isn't that just what's wrong with Europe?… Expand

I really appreciated this film. It is a good example of the thoughtful and deliberate eurostyle films that never get financed in the U.S. There's something to appreciate in every frame for people with any discernable attention span.

Moving, relaxing, original.

This was a delightful movie. Instead of the usual American hype dream that is realized at the end, this deals with an ordinary man and life. Schultze is like most of us leading our little lives as the prevailing norms have defined us. Hence, the assault of t "Reality "series.Yet,.he breaks out of the mold and lives out his dream in a Louisana Bayou.

Worst movie I've seen in ages.

Slow, yes, but cooks up some good flavor in the crockpot.

Bavarian BORE! An ill conceived execution of an intruguing premise.

It was one of the slowest movies I have seen in a long time, but I think that was part of its charm for me. It really forced me to pay close attention to what was happening. Unfortunately, this will probably turn off most moviegoers. That's too bad because this is a lovely film and deserves a wider audience.

Great move that shows plain kindness works best and carries much farther in life. Many words not spoken, told the best part of this tale. You never know when or where destiny pulls you. It`s the ride that counts, and I liked this ride! Thanks!

I found this movie while channel surfing, and heard my grandmother's voice singing a song in the background. I watched, and found Shultze to be an ordinary man with an interest in Louisiana Cajun music. He could be any lonely old senior citizen, which is what makes the movie so real. Its a good movie, a little slow, but good.

I enjoyed this movie whilst watching it, and found my impatience of thinking "get on with it!" after a while very telling; this is exactly what the film-maker is probably trying to achieve! Once I settled into the rhythm, I enjoyed all the little vignettes. My only complaint was his death at the end: not that he died, but that it was a bit unclear that he had died, and that the funeral was actually his and not them giving him up for dead in his non-return & disappearance to the Bayou.... worth it, if you have a visual appreciation and long attention span!… Expand