what the media has to say about his movies

press notes

Hut in the Woods

Berliner Kurier: “Hans Weingartner proves once again that he is one of the best German film directors. His gripping portrait is deeply affecting.”

Süddeutsche Zeitung: “A drive for freedom runs through this film, archaic, naive, revolutionary, embodying more of the spirit of the sixties than the actual ’68ers.”

Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung: “Hans Weingartner is perhaps the only German-speaking director who understands his films as acts of rebellion rather than merely universally acceptable social criticism.”

Der Spiegel: “A touching psychological drama.”

Die Welt: “Weingartner is one of the few filmmakers who have not let reality extinguish their utopias.”

Berliner Zeitung: “Touching and tender is this endangered community, full of warmth and sensitivity to its fragility. (…) This film is important for all of us.”

Badische Zeitung: “Brilliant. (…) You leave the cinema aware that you have seen a powerful film – with two outstanding lead actors.”

Die Zeit: “Spectacular.”

Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung: “A heart-wrenching melodrama. (…) Weingartner succeeds in making imagination and reality appear equally real and justified in his film.”

In München: “An exciting psychological drama with continual attempts to break free from the vast soul-precarity.”

Kino Kalender Dresden: “A great film for anyone who still knows what cinema is about and hasn’t forgotten how to think for themselves.”

Neue Presse Hannover: “Exciting, occasionally whimsical, infuriating. (…) A great little film.”

SWR Nachtkultur: “Great!”

TV Spielfilm: “Bold and uncompromising.”

Subway: “His films ‚The White Noise‘ and ‚The Edukators‘ are already cult classics. And the new drama from the rebellious director will soon be one too. (…) Lead actor Peter Schneider exudes charisma and credibility. Courageous and thoughtful cinema that offers a significant sustainability factor.”

zitty: “Intense and multifaceted.”

 

The Edukators – Die fetten Jahre sind vorbei

The Hollywood Reporter: “… a great film that brims with intelligent wit, professional storytelling, charming characters, and adult dialogues, while also being thrilling with a stunningly surprising ending … a highly entertaining and intelligent film that combines suspense, comedy, and politics … breathes a fresh air of originality that makes going to the cinema a pleasure.”

The New York Times: „A captivating film that showcases the complexities of youthful idealism, blending humor and drama in a way that feels both authentic and relatable.“

Screen Daily: „A compelling blend of drama and comedy that tackles complex themes of social justice and personal responsibility with wit and charm.“

The Guardian (UK): „A refreshing take on activism and the power of youth, ‚The Edukators‘ is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.“

IndieWire: „An exhilarating ride through the minds of its characters, the film expertly balances humor and serious themes, making it a must-see.“

The Playlist: „A vibrant exploration of youth and idealism, ‚The Edukators‘ captures the spirit of rebellion while also posing challenging questions about morality.“

Empire Magazine: „A thought-provoking and entertaining film that sparks important conversations about activism and the role of youth in society.“

Die Zeit: “… breaks the comfortable lethargy of money with irritating cheerfulness and a surreal subversive power that one thought was lost since Luis Bunuel trampled the overly bourgeois Christmas tree at the Chaplins‘ home.”

Die Welt: “… a furiously directed German Cannes representative and rightly the winner of the German Film Award for Best Direction, exemplifying what German cinema currently has to say.”

El Pais: “An honest and original story … great performances.”

Telerama: “Full of energy … full of surprises …”

Blickpunkt Film: “Rebellion is sexy. They rehearse the uprising – completely relaxed and carefree, with new passion and love. You leave the cinema uplifted and want to send all your friends in.”

Das weisse Rauschen – The White Noise

Hannoversche Allgemeine: “A grandiose debut.”

epd Film: “Genial! A graduation film and already a masterpiece.”

Abendzeitung, München: “A film that is both formally and thematically audacious in its maturity.”

Plärrer Nürnberg: “Since Hans Christian Schmids ’23‘, one hasn’t seen a German film that ventures so far while remaining so close to the heartbeat of madness and the pulse of the times.”

Express Köln: “One of the best German films of recent years … a film that, once seen, does not leave your mind.”

Stuttgarter Zeitung: “A trip into madness … Such strong debut films are rare, especially when they come from Germany.”

SÜDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG: “… one of the most remarkable German productions of recent years.”

KREUZER Leipzig: “An exceptional German film.”

Marabo Bochum: “DAS WEISSE RAUSCHEN is the furious directorial debut of an exciting young director: Hans Weingartner – with an outstanding performance by newcomer Daniel Brühl. A multiple award-winning psychological thriller of a special kind.”

COOLIBRI: “A directorial debut of the highest class! A touching story that goes straight to the heart.”

FOCUS: “Hans Weingartner’s furiously disturbing directorial debut … an exciting road movie into an adventurous future.”

TIP: “… the film conveys an immediacy and a pull that makes the viewer feel as if they are almost ‚live‘ at the creation (of schizophrenia).”

KREUZER, Leipzig: “Extraordinary German cinema.”

CHRISMON: “A passionate plea against the stigmatization of schizophrenia … a disturbing trip into the psyche…”

 

303

The Hollywood Reporter: „A beautifully shot road movie that captures the essence of youthful exploration and the complexities of modern relationships.“

Variety: „Weingartner’s film is a poignant reflection on love and self-discovery, marked by strong performances and stunning cinematography.“

Screen Daily: „A charming and contemplative journey that resonates with audiences, showcasing the beauty of human connection against breathtaking backdrops.“

The Guardian (UK): „303 offers a fresh perspective on the road movie genre, blending humor and introspection in a way that feels both authentic and engaging.“

IndieWire: „A heartfelt exploration of youth and freedom, ‚303‘ is a film that balances light-hearted moments with deeper philosophical questions.“

Artechock: „Beautiful and delightful.“

Uncut: „A movie with magical appeal.“

Berliner Zeitung: „One of the most beautiful road movies you’ve ever seen.“

Der Spiegel: „A road movie that impressively addresses the longing for freedom and the search for identity.“

Süddeutsche Zeitung: „Weingartner skillfully tells a touching story with a fine sense for dialogue and character, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.“

Die Zeit: „A film that beautifully combines the lightness of travel with the weight of self-discovery. A wonderful portrait of young people searching for their place in the world.“

Frankfurter Rundschau: „303 is more than just a road movie; it’s a philosophical dialogue about love, friendship, and the challenges of life.“

Programmkino.de: „A film that captivates the audience with its authentic portrayal and profound conversations. Weingartner demonstrates once again his talent for exploring human relationships.“
Kino.de: „A visually stunning work that perfectly captures the beauty of the landscapes and the complexity of the characters. A must-see for any film fan.“

Filmstarts.de: „303 is an intelligent and emotional road movie that impresses with its charm and wit. The chemistry between the lead actors is simply fantastic.“

Die Welt: „A beautifully crafted film that captures the essence of youth and the spirit of adventure. Weingartner’s direction is both sensitive and insightful.“

Filmecho: „303 is a refreshing take on the road movie genre, blending humor and existential questions seamlessly. The performances are genuine and captivating.“

Cineman: „A journey filled with unexpected encounters and profound conversations, showcasing the beauty of human connection in a modern world.“

SWR: „Weingartner’s film is a poetic exploration of the search for meaning, wrapped in stunning visuals and an engaging narrative.“

KulturSPIEGEL: „A film that resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost or uncertain. Its charm lies in its relatability and the authenticity of its characters.“

Filmdienst: „303 offers a compelling mix of light-hearted moments and deeper reflections on life, making it a well-rounded cinematic experience.“

Blickpunkt:Film: „An intimate and thought-provoking film that invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys while being entertained by the characters‘ adventures.“

Programmkino: „A heartfelt exploration of youth and freedom, ‚303‘ is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.“

Cineuropa: „Weingartner’s direction shines through in this intimate film that invites viewers to reflect on their own lives while enjoying the characters‘ journey.“

The Film Stage: „A visually stunning film that combines a road trip narrative with profound dialogues, making it a standout in contemporary cinema.“

The Playlist: „303 is a touching and beautifully crafted film that captures the spirit of adventure and the search for identity in a compelling way.“

 

 

Free Rainer – Reclaim your Brain

Die Abendzeitung: “An overdue major assault on trash TV … biting media satire with Moritz Bleibtreu … delightfully romantic and unconventional.”

Cinema: “FREE RAINER is an exciting and witty tragicomedy about the mental state of the media society.”

ARD: “A guerrilla campaign against the ratings-obsessed entertainment industry.”

Zitty: “… sometimes gentle irony, sometimes satirical bite, sometimes rosy utopia … with a great cast down to the smallest supporting role – a film with meaning and intellect.”

Frankfurter Rundschau: “Defends the power of utopia in prosaic times.”
PRINZ: “… absolutely necessary. Agitation at the height of the times.”

Sax: “… consistently entertaining … and fast-paced. Confident actors, strong soundtrack …”

TV14: “Intelligent fun with Moritz Bleibtreu in top form.”

TV direkt: “Media criticism with bite. Cheeky, subversive, and funny.”

TV Total: “With ‚Free Rainer‘, Hans Weingartner shows once again how to combine ambition, fun, and excitement effortlessly after his multiple award-winning ‚The Edukators.’”

Filmecho: “Weingartner’s reckoning with television elicited spontaneous applause from those present.”

Neue Vorarlberger Tageszeitung: “Only a few film contributions received as much applause and ovation at the International Film Festival in San Sebastián as the provocative and humorous media satire FREE RAINER.”

Critic.de: “… the satirical scenario of a German self-liberation from so-called underclass television.”

Der Tagesspiegel: “Skillfully, FREE RAINER transitions between satire and reality, with its cheeky demeanor, rebellious look, and progressive use of music.”

Users on amazon.de: “What a wildly good film! … What is actually so mercilessly exaggerated, and what is not? Are we not already at the point where Weingartner’s film begins? Free Rainer is one of those few films that entertains, is educational, and spreads a message that I would endorse without hesitation. One can only conclude: German cinema is alive! Films like Free Rainer ensure that it stays that way. Thank you!”
User on amazon.de: “A furious reckoning with the gaga TV. I was skeptical whether one could still add much to reality with a satire. But it works: the film has many strong, absurd, emotional moments and a serious intention that carries it to the end. Plus, there is an excess of wonderfully exaggerated characters.”
User on amazon.de: “This is pure infotainment as it should be, a compelling yet real stimulating endeavor with a hopeful ending – Free Rainer – very good.”
User on amazon.de: “SIMPLY GENIUS!”
User on amazon.de: “Superb film with current relevance and perfect acting! This film stimulates both the funny bones and the gray cells …!”
User on amazon.de: “An absolute gourmet film! … A great film that is simultaneously media satire, critique, and showcases abilities and development opportunities. Of course, the film’s outcome is a total dream result, but it at least makes one think about the entertainment trash served daily.”
User on amazon.de: “This film is once again TRUE.”