2013 German Film Festival Review: The Break-Up Man

The Break-Up Man will be screening as part of the Audi Festival of German Films, which presents an audacious collection of contemporary German cinema, celebrating the rich diversity of one of Europe’s most dynamic and creatively renowned cultures.

Showcasing 45 award-winning films and documentaries from inspiring thrillers to wry comedies and critically lauded feature dramas, the Festival will take place across 8 cities throughout the first two weeks of May, and, for the first time, will include Newcastle and Byron Bay.

SYDNEY:  30 April  - 14 May  Chauvel Cinema, Palace Verona
MELBOURNE:   1 – 15 May  Palace Cinema Como, Kino Cinemas
BRISBANE:   3 – 9 May  Palace Centro
NEWCASTLE   4 – 5 May  Tower Cinemas
CANBERRA:  7 – 12 May   Palace Electric Cinema
ADELAIDE:   8 – 13 May  Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas
PERTH:   9 – 13 May  Cinema Paradiso
BYRON BAY: 10 – 12 May  Palace Byron Bay

Writer, director and star Matthias Schweighofer’s outrageous buddy/romantic comedy, The Break-Up Man, has the second highest grossing film to hit German cinemas there this year and is sure to be one of the most popular films at this year’s Audi Festival of German Films. While certainly not short on gags, Schweighofer’s second feature has inconsistencies with the characterizations and peculiar stylistic choices, but remains an amusing crowd-pleaser with a good heart.
 
The Break-Up Man is a wild ride, following a man named Paul Voigt (Schweighofer), a handsome and ambitious high-flyer who has blossomed into his exclusive company’s best ‘relationship ender’. He brings disappointing news to others while living in empty, emotionless luxury, unable to make his own relationships work. When Paul makes an unexpected connection with the unlikeliest of characters, Toto (Milan Peschel), a suicidal broken-heart unable to accept his new single status, he agrees to allow Toto to be his driver and accompany him on a company trip to bring up 1000 break-ups (pointlessly set up to feel against-the-clock) and secure desired company Partnership.

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