23 is a 1998 German drama thriller film about a young hacker Karl Koch, who died on 23 May 1989, a presumed suicide. It was directed by Hans-Christian Schmid, who also participated in screen writing. The title derives from the protagonist's obsession with the number 23, a phenomenon often described as apophenia. Although the film was well received by critics and audiences, its accuracy has been vocally disputed by some witnesses to the real-life events on which it was based. Schmid subsequently co-authored a book that tells the story of the making of 23 and also details the differences between the movie and the actual events.

I really liked "Lola rennt", but I loved "23". The plot is fascinating, the music is great, the cast is gorgeous. While telling the story, the movie takes you back into the 80s. August Diehl as Karl Koch does an outstanding performance. After watching "23", you'll ask yourself if there is really an international conspiracy going on. Nearly every time you hear or see this number, you'll think "What if it was true?". A must see. 10 points.

What an awesome year the German movie scene has been having! And "23" was part of it... definitely one of the coolest (yet most serious) German movies in the last couple of years. While it still sacrifices some realism for the sake of suspense, it's probably one of the most realistic "hacker movies" ever made. I grew up with the same computing stuff Karl Koch uses in the movie, so I loved it. Yay!

Director Hans-Christian Schmid proves after his family oriented 'Nach Fuenf Im Urwald'that he is ready for more. Much more. It's an intelligent movie about Conspiracy-Theories. It is a fine period-picture. It's a movie about a confused personality. Wonderful twisted in a crapping storyline.Actors Diehl and Busch are rare talents in german cinema and couldn't be better casted. Helmer Schmid knows how to handle actors and story between fact and fiction likewise. '23' is more oscar-worthy than Tywkers videoclip 'Run Lola Run'....and beware the number 23 in any way...