Two to one (2024) by Natja Brunckhorst

Summary: “Two to one” (also known as “Zwei zu eins”) is a 2024 German comedy-crime-romance film directed and written by Natja Brunckhorst. Set in the summer of 1990 during the German reunification, the film follows childhood friends Maren, Robert, and Volker who unexpectedly find millions of soon-to-be-worthless East German Marks. They devise a plan to salvage the money, leading to humorous and touching situations as they navigate the changing social and economic landscape.

Plot summary: In the summer of 1990, amidst the backdrop of German reunification, childhood friends Maren, Robert, and Volker stumble upon a massive amount of East German Marks in an abandoned underground bunker. Realizing that this currency will soon become worthless when East Germany is absorbed by the West, they impulsively take as much as they can carry. Faced with the rapidly approaching deadline to exchange the currency for Deutsch Marks, the financially strapped group, along with other similarly situated residents of their East German city of Halberstadt, come up with a creative money laundering scheme. Their plan involves trading in the newly acquired cash discreetly and even attempting to expand their reserves, leading to unexpected challenges, conflicts, and humorous situations as they adapt to the new capitalist environment.

Director’s Vision: Natja Brunckhorst, in her second feature film, aimed to tell a fact-based tale with a comedic touch, highlighting the experiences of ordinary working-class residents in East Germany during the uncertain transition period of reunification. She emphasizes the importance of friendship, solidarity, and societal resilience in the face of change. The director noted that the actors infused their performances with personal life experiences from that era, adding authenticity and poignancy to the narrative.

• The Impact of German Reunification

• Friendship and Solidarity

• Resilience and Adaptation

• The Value of Human Connection Over Material Wealth

• Truth is Stranger Than Fiction

• Based on a True Story

• Blend of Comedy and Poignant Reflection

• Strong Ensemble Cast

• Positive Reception at Film Festivals

• Nostalgia and Historical Context

Summary short: “Two to one” is a German comedy-crime film set during the reunification of Germany in 1990, about a group of East German friends who find a fortune in soon-to-be-worthless currency and their humorous attempts to make it valuable.

Awards and nominations : Its selection as the opening film of the 41st Munich International Film Festival suggests recognition within the film festival circuit.

• Filmfest München Review (film-fest-report.com): This review praised the film’s heartwarming blend of comedy and poignant reflections on friendship and societal resilience. It highlighted the strong performances of the ensemble cast, particularly Sandra Hüller, and Natja Brunckhorst’s adept direction. The review emphasized the film’s positive message about solidarity and unity.

• IMDb: The user reviews on IMDb are generally positive, with many appreciating the film’s humor, the performances, and the nostalgic portrayal of the period.

Summary: “Two to one” has received positive reviews, with critics and audiences appreciating its comedic approach to a historical event, the strong performances of the cast, and the heartwarming themes of friendship and community spirit during a time of significant change.

Reviews about movie online:

• IMDb: User reviews on IMDb (rating not explicitly stated in the search snippets) generally commend the film for its humor, the performances of the actors (especially Sandra Hüller), and its charming and touching portrayal of East Germany during the reunification period. Some reviews mention the film starts a bit slowly but develops into an enjoyable and feel-good story.

Box office: “Two to one” has grossed $4,176,379 worldwide, according to IMDb.

Production: “Two to one” is a German production by Rohfilm Factory, Zischlermann Filmproduktion, and Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF), with involvement from ARTE, The Playmaker Munich, X Verleih AG, WeFadeToGrey, Magic Media Production, Lichtblick Filmproduktion, and Row Pictures I. The film was directed and written by Natja Brunckhorst, with cinematography by Martin Langer and editing by Ramin Sabeti.

Production companies (name, country):

• Rohfilm Factory (Germany)

• Zischlermann Filmproduktion (Germany)

• Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF) (Germany) (co-production)

• ARTE (Germany) (in association with)

• The Playmaker Munich (Germany) (in collaboration with)

• X Verleih AG (Germany) (in collaboration with)

• WeFadeToGrey (Germany) (in collaboration with) (as Wefadetogrey)

• Magic Media Production (Germany) (in collaboration with)

• Lichtblick Filmproduktion (Germany) (co-production)

• Row Pictures I (Germany)

Sales companies: The Playmaker Munich (Germany) is the worldwide sales representative for “Two to one” across all media

Distribution companies (name, country, sentence):

• A Contracorriente Films (Spain)

• KMBO (France)

• Tull Stories (United Kingdom)

• Warner Bros. Pictures Germany (Germany)

• X Verleih AG (Germany)

• Alive Vertrieb und Marketing (Germany)

• Synapse Distribution (Brazil) (Latin America, all media, 2024)

Release date on streaming: Information about a specific streaming release date for “Two to one” was not readily available in the search results.

Theatrical release: “Two to one” was released theatrically in Germany on July 25, 2024.

Why to recommend this movie

• A Delightfully Charming and Humorous Take on a Pivotal Historical Moment: “Two to one” offers a refreshing and often funny perspective on the reunification of Germany, a period of significant upheaval and transformation. The humor arises from the characters’ resourceful and sometimes absurd attempts to navigate the changing economic landscape, making a potentially complex historical event accessible and entertaining.

• Features a Standout Performance from the Acclaimed Sandra Hüller: Following her recent success and Academy Award nomination for “Anatomy of a Fall,” Sandra Hüller delivers another compelling performance that anchors the film. Her presence alone is a strong reason to watch, as she brings depth and nuance to her character.

• A Heartwarming Story Celebrating the Power of Friendship and Community in the Face of Societal Change: Beyond the comedic elements, the film beautifully portrays the bonds of friendship and the strength found in community solidarity. The characters’ shared predicament and their collective efforts to overcome it offer an uplifting and resonant message about human connection during times of uncertainty.

• Evokes a Sense of Nostalgia for a Unique Era in European History: For those who remember or are interested in the late 20th century and the fall of the Berlin Wall, “Two to one” provides a nostalgic glimpse into East Germany during this transitional period. The film’s attention to detail in its portrayal of the time adds another layer of appeal.

• Enjoyed Positive Reception from Both Critics and Audiences: The film’s warm reception at festivals and generally positive reviews indicate that it resonates with a wide audience. It’s a crowd-pleaser that manages to be both entertaining and insightful, suggesting a satisfying cinematic experience.

• If You Enjoy Clever and Character-Driven Comedies with a Touch of Historical Context: “Two to one” isn’t a slapstick comedy but rather a witty and engaging story where the humor stems from the characters’ personalities and their reactions to the absurd situation they find themselves in. The historical backdrop adds an extra layer of interest for those who appreciate comedies with a bit more substance.

• For Dedicated Fans of Sandra Hüller and Those Curious About Her Range: If you were captivated by Sandra Hüller’s performance in “Anatomy of a Fall” or other films, “Two to one” offers a chance to see her in a different light, showcasing her versatility in a more comedic role while still delivering a nuanced and memorable portrayal.

• If You’re Intrigued by Stories About Ordinary People Navigating Extraordinary Historical Events: The film shines a light on the everyday experiences of East Germans during the fall of the Wall and the challenges they faced. It’s a human-scale story that makes a significant historical moment feel personal and relatable.

• For Those Seeking an Engaging and Lighthearted Way to Learn About German History and Culture: “Two to one” provides a window into a specific period of German history in an entertaining and accessible manner. It offers cultural insights without being overly academic, making it an enjoyable way to learn something new.

• If You’re in the Mood for a Feel-Good Movie That Will Leave You with a Smile: Despite the initial premise of financial hardship, “Two to one” is ultimately an uplifting and heartwarming film. The characters’ resilience and their strong bonds leave the audience with a sense of optimism and the enduring power of human connection.

What Movie Trend film is following (name of the trend, summary): Historical Comedies with a Focus on Social Change. “Two to one” aligns with a trend of films that use humor to explore significant historical periods and the social changes they bring about, often focusing on the experiences of ordinary people navigating these transformations.

What Big Social Trend is following (name of the trend, summary): Nostalgia for the Late 20th Century and Exploration of Post-Socialist Experiences. The film taps into a broader social interest in looking back at the end of the Cold War and the experiences of those who lived in socialist countries during the transition to new political and economic systems.

Final Verdict: “Two to one” is a charming and enjoyable German film that successfully blends comedy with a historical setting. Featuring strong performances, particularly from Sandra Hüller, and a heartwarming story about friendship and community during the reunification of Germany, the film offers a unique and entertaining perspective on a significant historical event. Its positive reception suggests it is a worthwhile watch for those interested in historical comedies and stories about human resilience.

Recommendations for filmmakers:

• Find the Humor in Historical Situations

• Focus on Character-Driven Narratives

• Utilize Strong Ensemble Casts

• Balance Comedy with Emotional Depth

• Ground Fictional Stories in Real Historical Context

Recommendations for movie industry:

• Support Comedies That Offer Cultural and Historical Insights

• Promote Films with Strong International Appeal

• Recognize the Value of Fact-Based Storytelling

• Continue to Support Diverse Voices and Perspectives in Cinema

• Encourage the Production of Films That Blend Genres