Underdogs (2007)

In Brunnenberg prison for men, the new warden introduces a revolutionary convict re-socializing project: training guide dogs for the blind. The perks make all convicts volunteer for only ... See full summary »

Director:

Jan-Hinrik Drevs

Writer:

Jan-Hinrik Drevs

Stars:

Thomas Sarbacher, Clelia Sarto, Hark Bohm

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Thomas Sarbacher	...	Mosk
Clelia Sarto	...	Gloria Cornelius
Hark Bohm	...	Herr Wache
Ingo Naujoks	...	Peter Prell
Kida Khodr Ramadan	...	Döner
Thorsten Merten	...	Forster
Wladimir Tarasjanz	...	Wladimir Kiriakov
Philipp Baltus	...	Tom
Patrycia Ziolkowska	...	Famke Preminger
Peter Jordan	...	Staatssekretär Büchner
Christoph Grunert	...	Blume
Henning Schimke	...	Dethloff
Karsten Kretschmer	...	Seger
Luca Maric	...	Paco
Marc Zwinz	...	Shell

Storyline

In Brunnenberg prison for men, the new warden introduces a revolutionary convict re-socializing project: training guide dogs for the blind. The perks make all convicts volunteer for only seven slots. Except burly macho Moskowitch 'Mosk', who cares only for the manly work out contest. The warden blackmails him, he can only do the contest if his assigned pup passes the first test. All dogs must pass or the project is halted. Unlike the others, Mosk only starts caring for his canine when it gets sick.

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Plot Keywords:

inmate | gym | prison life | one word title | dog | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

Germany

Language:

German

Release Date:

24 July 2008 (Germany)

Also Known As:

Hundeleben

Filming Locations:

Hamburg, Germany

Company Credits

Production Co:

ARTE, Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR), Wüste Filmproduktion

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital EX

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Time To Find Out"
Written by Christopher Barrett Anderson and Thomas Hien
Performed by Chris And Thomas
Courtesy of Defend Music / Boar Records

User Reviews

Different prison tale

Not all prison films have to be all action affairs about fighting other prisoners to survive, violent guards and escape plans. Instead, this rather quiet and entertaining film is about a prison program that involves using inmates to train guide dogs. The theory being of course, being responsible for a dog will mean that they are more responsible for themselves.

Thomas Sarbacher does an excellent job as Mosk, the lone wolf character who is forced against his will into the program. Sarbacher does a great job presenting the reluctant character who is unable to connect to his dog, until he almost loses it. The transition from "don't care" to "must care" to "want to care" is done very well.

If the film can be criticized it is for not developing the other characters. Only the Turkish side kick figure "Döner" and his relationship to Mosk is developed at all. Several plot sub-stories were also not clearly presented, e.g. the connection to Italy, that Mosk thought he had. However, the role of the dog trainer is extremely well acted by Hark Bohm.

Nevertheless it is a well filmed prison drama. Prison life is presented realistically, without any frills. The dogs are wonderful and not super trained Lassie types and the sound track is wonderful. Good late night viewing when you're feeling like a chilled out thoughtful film.