"Herr Ober!" is a German 95-minute movie from 1992, which means it will have its 25th anniversary next year. It is one of the most known works by Bavarian filmmaker Gerhard Polt and, like many other times, he is the writer, director and lead actor here. The story is about a man who gets pushed around by his bossy wife (with whom he owns an exquisite restaurant together) and at some point he just has enough and leaves, starts being a waiter at a smaller restaurant. His wife is played by Christiane Hörbiger (not Schneeberger this time) and apart from Matthes, who ha s a small cameo, she is the only one I am familiar with in here. Aside from Polt, of course. He is known for making films that also show us how Germans (especially Bavarians) interact with foreigners and even if this is not the main plot in here, Polt used this approach in one scene when his character talks to a bunch of tourists from the United States. His wrong perception of the weather etc. was possibly the funniest moment of the film.
But the movie works well all in all. Polt's character is extremely likable and you feel sorry for him with all the obstacles he's running into in his attempts to become a better man. Can the restaurant owner maybe help him in this mess? Watch for yourself. But do not mistake this film for a romance or anything like that. Yes there are moments that suggest such a genre, but it's really more about the comedy (also only partially) and, most of all, about a crucial time in terms of change in Polt's character's life. That is also why I really enjoyed the ending. They are not going for a forced happy ending, but for something more realistic and authentic, even if it is a bit sad. But it's not an unhappy ending at all as the protagonist's reaction will probably put a smile on your face and you hope with him that he finds happiness wherever he is heading. This may possibly be my favorite from Polt. I certainly recommend the watch and I think he as the writer did a good job and same can be said about all the actors. Go check it out.
But the movie works well all in all. Polt's character is extremely likable and you feel sorry for him with all the obstacles he's running into in his attempts to become a better man. Can the restaurant owner maybe help him in this mess? Watch for yourself. But do not mistake this film for a romance or anything like that. Yes there are moments that suggest such a genre, but it's really more about the comedy (also only partially) and, most of all, about a crucial time in terms of change in Polt's character's life. That is also why I really enjoyed the ending. They are not going for a forced happy ending, but for something more realistic and authentic, even if it is a bit sad. But it's not an unhappy ending at all as the protagonist's reaction will probably put a smile on your face and you hope with him that he finds happiness wherever he is heading. This may possibly be my favorite from Polt. I certainly recommend the watch and I think he as the writer did a good job and same can be said about all the actors. Go check it out.