Stankowskis Millions (2011)
A sharp German TV comedy about an East German's struggle for dignity and fortune in the chaotic aftermath of reunification.
Stankowskis Millions - Movie Information
Stankowskis Millions - Plot
In 1991, the mood in East Germany is gloomy. Unemployment and poverty among the population in the GDR are high. Many people blame the Treuhand for the misery. Werner Stankowski, a trained computer scientist and computer specialist, is unable to find work despite hundreds of applications. His wife considers him a failure and leaves him for a rich man from the West. Only his best friend Rudi, who is also unemployed, sticks by him. Rudi's wife Gerda keeps the family afloat with a poorly performing erotic mail order business. Werner then gets a job interview with a computer company in Munich. The Wessis denounce Werner during the interview and humiliate him with Stasi slogans.....
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Stankowskis Millions - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Franziska Meyer Price
Main Cast
- Wolfgang Stumph
- Christian Tramitz
- Jörg Schüttauf
- Petra Kleinert
- Gustav Peter Wöhler
- Floriane Daniel
- Gerit Kling
- Karin Thaler
- Frederick Lau
- Laura-Charlotte Syniawa
Writers
- Thomas Brussig
- Johannes W. Betz
Producers
- Klaus Bassiner
- Michael Lehmann
- Heike Streich
Stankowskis Millions - FAQs
What is Stankowskis Millions about?
Stankowskis Millions is set in 1991 East Germany, where unemployed computer scientist Werner Stankowski struggles with poverty and rejection after reunification. Abandoned by his wife and humiliated by West German employers, he relies on his loyal friend Rudi as he navigates the turbulent social and economic upheaval of the era with dark humor.
Is Stankowskis Millions based on a true story?
Stankowskis Millions is not based on a specific true story, but it draws heavily on the real social and economic hardships experienced by East Germans after reunification in 1990. The film reflects genuine tensions between East and West Germans during that period, including unemployment, the Treuhand agency's controversial role, and cultural clashes.
Who stars in Stankowskis Millions?
The film features Wolfgang Stumph as the hapless Werner Stankowski, alongside Christian Tramitz, Jörg Schüttauf, and Petra Kleinert. The ensemble cast also includes Gustav Peter Wöhler, Floriane Daniel, Gerit Kling, Frederick Lau, and Laura-Charlotte Syniawa, bringing a lively mix of comedic and dramatic talent to the story.
What does the film say about German reunification?
The film offers a sharp, comedic look at the painful inequalities that followed German reunification. It highlights how many East Germans felt humiliated, dismissed, and economically abandoned, while West Germans are portrayed as condescending. The Treuhand agency's role in mass unemployment is a central grievance, giving the comedy a pointed social edge.
Who directed Stankowskis Millions?
Stankowskis Millions was directed by Franziska Meyer Price, a German filmmaker known for her work in television productions. The script was co-written by Thomas Brussig, the acclaimed author behind works like Heroes Like Us and Sonnenallee, lending the film sharp wit and authentic insight into the East German experience.
What genre is Stankowskis Millions?
Stankowskis Millions is a TV comedy with a strong satirical undercurrent. While it delivers plenty of laughs, it also tackles serious themes like unemployment, cultural identity, and the social fractures of post-reunification Germany. Think of it as a comedy with real bite — funny, but with something meaningful to say.
How long is Stankowskis Millions?
Stankowskis Millions runs for 88 minutes — just under an hour and a half. It's a compact, well-paced TV movie that keeps the story moving without overstaying its welcome, making it an easy and entertaining watch for an evening.
What are similar movies to Stankowskis Millions?
If you enjoyed Stankowskis Millions, you might also like Everything's Better for Two (1991), a comedy from the same era, or Mr. Morgan's Last Love (2013) for its European sensibility. Fans of warm, character-driven comedies could also enjoy The Brady Bunch Movie (1995) or Love, Classified (2022) for their light, humorous tones.
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