Director
Markus Goller
(MY BROTHER SIMPLE)

Stars
Lars Eidinger and Bjarne Mädel

A few years ago, I unearthed what remains a hidden gem of a film. The story of Microbe and Gasoline (MICROBE ET GASOIL) revolves around two teenage friends who construct a makeshift motorhome for their random road trip throughout France. This German adventure comedy reminded me of Michel Gondry’s film and its plot isn’t too dissimilar either, albeit in Germany, on mopeds, and with more mature characters.

Christian and Georg (played by Lars Eidinger and Bjarne Mädel, respectively) are brothers who reunite after a decades-long hiatus in communication following the death of their father for his funeral. A few too many drinks later, the brothers begin to reminisce about their childhood and youth, and discover a map they once put together that details the route of a road trip they once promised to do together someday. Sensing that this is their carpe diem moment, Christian and Georg dust the rust off their trusty old bikes and hit the road in search of whatever may come their way.

It isn’t often you’ll see such lower speed limits functioning on the fast roads of Germany, so do yourself a favour and sit back, relax, and enjoy this comfy and cruisy excursion. Its rather infectious ‘anything goes’ vibe and the instant chemistry that is established and maintained by the two leads of 25 KM/H anchor the viewer to the film. All throughout, Christian and Georg are subject to a series of unplanned encounters with various strangers, including a potential hook-up with two flirty and fun-loving ladies (minor appearances played by Franka Potente and Alexandra Maria Lara), that regularly compliment the film’s vibe and evoke merriment. Enriching the overall pleasant experience is the beautiful scenery captured by the camera, which includes quaint towns, lush open fields and the Black Forest.

On a slightly more poignant note, there are moments in 25 KM/H that the two brothers must address the elephant in the room. There are obviously reasons why they haven’t seen or spoken to one another in so long and these issues are yet to be addressed. Understandably, there are some tough choice of words spoken and reactions provoked that could change the mood of their (and our) journey. Fortunately, these merely forge the brothers’ tight bond and don’t contain the depth to evoke sentimental feelings. Also, you may find there are times that the lack of direction in story allows 25 KM/H to meander, however, another unplanned encounter to arise later in the film certainly changes that. While I wouldn’t necessarily label this movie ‘a hidden gem’, it is pretty darn fine and the performances from Lars Eidinger and Bjarne Mädel really are wunderbar.

3 ½ stars

Viewer Discretion
TBA

Trailer
25 KM/H

Moviedoc thanks Asha Holmes Publicity, Palace Cinemas and the German Film Festival for the invite to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc
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