Erleuchtung garantiert (1999)

Two very different brothers get together for a temporary stay in a Japanese zen monastry. The trip from Germany to Japan brings up some unexpected quests they have to manage. Soon both ... See full summary »

Director:

Doris Dörrie

Writers:

Doris Dörrie, Ruth Stadler

Stars:

Uwe Ochsenknecht, Gustav-Peter Wöhler, Petra Zieser

2 wins.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Uwe Ochsenknecht	...	Uwe
Gustav-Peter Wöhler	...	Gustav
Petra Zieser	...	Petra
Ulrike Kriener	...	Ulrike
Anica Dobra	...	Anica
Heiner Lauterbach	...	Heiner
Franz X. Gernstl	...	Ehepaar
Gisela Gernstl	...	Ehepaar
Jimi Blue Ochsenknecht	...	Jimmy (as Jimmy Ochsenknecht)
Wilson Gonzalez	...	Wilson (as Wilson Gonzalez Ochsenknecht)
Leopold Zieser	...	Leopold
Emilia Zieser	...	Emilia
Pierre Sanoussi-Bliss	...	Ulrikes Liebhaber
Imaseki	...	Sumo-Ringer

Storyline

Two very different brothers get together for a temporary stay in a Japanese zen monastry. The trip from Germany to Japan brings up some unexpected quests they have to manage. Soon both really have to leave their ordinary lifes behind and are on a voyage to themselves.

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Plot Keywords:

japan | zen | f rated | buddhist | monastery | 

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Genres:

Drama | Comedy

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Details

Country:

Germany

Language:

German Japanese English

Release Date:

20 January 2000 (Germany)

Also Known As:

Sabiduría garantizada

Filming Locations:

Monzen, Japan

Company Credits

Production Co:

Megaherz TV Fernsehproduktion GmbH

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

Frühlingsstimmen, Op. 410
Written by Johann Strauss

User Reviews

Brilliant, introspective, funny film.

Shown at the MIFF as 'The Bridge in the Rain' (why? I dunno).

I almost didn't see this film as it sounded as if it could easily have been another of those 'mundane' foreign films but no, it was excellent.

Gustav, who originally intended to go to the Tokyo monastery, is the type who gets lost in supermarkets. The other brother, Uwe, ends up going along after drowning his sorrows when his wife leaves him. Unfortunately, Uwe seems to fit right in with the strict monastery life, much to Gustav's torment! He even copes better than his brother when they get lost and separated in Tokyo. They both have personal torment and sibling rivalry which is equally engaging and funny.

The monastery is in quiet, idyll surroundings out of Tokyo. A memorable line which hits home if you live in a big city comes in the form of a saying about 'hate' and anger - but I won't give it away.

I thought that the story could have gone in any number of possible directions with equally enjoyable results.

I also think that filming this on video and using footage from the video camera in the film enhanced the realism. A very memorable film.