Ein Schweizer namens Nötzli (1988) User Reviews

Quite a funny movie about a typical Swiss "Bünzli"

[sinolog · 7/10 · 7 January 2006]

I remember having really liked this movie as a kid and I've seen it on TV later also. It is about a small, middle-aged, industrious, shy and un-noticed employee in a big company who gets kicked around and abused by everyone. The main character in this film who later becomes a hero could be labeled as a personality which we Swiss tend to call a "Bünzli", meaning someone who is very correct about everything, rather shy, and highly uncool. So simply the stereotype Swiss himself.

This is not an outstanding film, but it's very funny to have some laughs about the small Swiss "Bünzli" who makes it to the top.

Walter Roderer, a famous Swiss actor (Volksschauspieler), is perfectly well fitted to play this character. One of the few Swiss actors from the northeast, with the typical, slightly obnoxious "St.Gallen-dialect".

also watch: "Der Herr mit der schwarzen Melone (CH, 1960)

Lovely, very lovely

[suchenwi · 9/10 · 16 September 2008]

A Swiss working in Germany is somehow a fish out of water.. at least as Walter Roderer portrays him here. 26 years in accounting of some chemical factory in Berlin.

I can't express how much I loved this film at second viewing. The clash of cultures between Switzerland and Berlin is nicely depicted. Much filming seems to have been done in the Technical University of Berlin, where I worked myself 1986-90 (note the steep cafeteria).

The interactions in the office might be stylized somewhat, and the story of Nötzli's rise/fall/re-rise slightly exaggerated... but still, it's a lovable piece, take all in all. And Ursela Monn sure is a joy to behold.