This "thriller" has a wandering yet fittingly weird plot, but the film sets the role of acting (and the lines actors are given to work with) into unusually high relief. A laconic loser whose expression almost never changes (with perfectly greasy hair) is coupled with a younger, fun-loving guy very much NOT of the overdone stoner-dude type that populates so many American movies. It takes a lot to worry this childlike "man," and the actor is possessed of a sweet, rubbery face of infinite expressiveness that makes the story a true joy to watch. For example, the transformations that flicker across his increasingly lustful countenance as a hot babe talks about sex are a wonder -- this is method acting at its most delightful. He's got a metal plate in his head that makes it bullet-resistant, which could have been cartoonish, but is somehow just right for his character. He's a 33-year-old (my guess) who never left junior high. His companion pulls his weight in the other direction with his world-weary ennui (not to mention boredom, anxiety and flickers of intelligence and terror). It's weirdly fun to watch an occasionally very suspenseful movie carried along by two such un-German Germans (to those familiar with Germans as they're usually portrayed). I was very entertained by this film.

This movie is not very typical of German (dark) comedies -- it's intelligently written and well thought out. The actors do a great job of making situations which could easily fall flat very enjoyable to watch and the dialogue is strong. It is easy to root for and sympathize with the main character, even when his actions are questionable; the actor does a great job of pulling off the role. The movie is quiet and reserved, there is no slapstick or cheesy dialogue to keep things moving. It remains suspenseful, however, until the end. Definitely worth seeing if you enjoy untraditional comedies.

I was at the German premiere night and I love this film. Kaurismäki, Cohen Brothers, von Trier and Faith Akin all rolled into one. Great cast, but the scenes with Eva-Katrin Hermann, Thomas Wodianka and Jürgen Rißmann should be singled out for their blue touch paper comedic timing and dramatic control.Lensed by Ralf M. Mendle on Red, there's not a single duff shot in the film. The script is a delight and the direction is masterly. Thomasz Thomson helmed this low-budget cult pic: he will definitely be back with another in-your-eye script and a way bigger production budget. Watch this space.Disclaimer: I have no work or financial involvement in this film.

Snowman's Land is about a couple of hit men who are sent to a remote snow-bound house to fulfil an unspecified mission. While there they accidentally kill a crime-lord's wife and shortly after this, things begin to spiral out of control.This German crime film is essentially character driven. There are a number of quirky personalities who populate the narrative. And some humour is certainly derived from the interactions between these people. Most of the strength of the film comes from this, as the storyline is basically quite weak. The plot-line is extremely loose, where things happen and twists in the story occur with very little overall purpose. The interaction between the femme fatale and the hit men, for example, has the potential to lead the story into interesting territory but it never unfortunately really happens. Instead, her accidental murder more or less becomes an irrelevance and the story moves on into a less interesting direction. Generally speaking, the focus of the movie is very much more on deriving humour rather than thrills from the crime story framework.Snowman's Land is by no means a poor film; it's just one that could have been so much more. While it is funny and inventive at times, it is also a bit too unfocused for its own good too. Worth checking out if you like quirky crime comedies though.