Die Glücklichen (2008)
A German drama about friendship, secrets, and the fragile illusions we build around success and happiness.
Die Glücklichen - Movie Information
- Original Title: Die Glücklichen
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Jan Georg Schütte
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 23, 2008 (Germany)
- Production Countries: Germany
Die Glücklichen - Plot
Hans invites his friends to a lake house to celebrate his success as a writer. But after a weekend of lies and passion, no one is the same anymore.
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Die Glücklichen - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jan Georg Schütte
Main Cast
- Stephan Schad
- Pheline Roggan
- Oliver Sauer
- Susanne Wolff
- Ole Schloßhauer
- Meret Becker
- Charlotte Crome
- Jan Georg Schütte
Writers
- Jan Georg Schütte
Die Glücklichen - FAQs
What is Die Glücklichen about?
Die Glücklichen follows Hans, a writer who gathers his closest friends at a lake house to celebrate his literary success. Over the course of a single weekend, hidden desires, unspoken truths, and emotional confrontations surface — leaving every guest fundamentally changed by the time they leave.
Does Die Glücklichen have a happy ending?
The title translates to 'The Happy Ones,' but the film plays with that idea ironically. The weekend retreat peels back the comfortable facades of its characters, and by the end, happiness feels far more complicated and ambiguous than anyone expected when they arrived.
Who directed Die Glücklichen and also acted in it?
Jan Georg Schütte both wrote and directed Die Glücklichen, and he also appears on screen in the role of a pizza delivery man. It's a quietly playful cameo from the filmmaker within his own intimate ensemble drama.
Who are the main actors in Die Glücklichen?
The ensemble cast features Stephan Schad as Hans, the host writer, alongside Pheline Roggan, Oliver Sauer, Susanne Wolff, Ole Schloßhauer, Meret Becker, and Charlotte Crome. It's a tight-knit group of German actors delivering grounded, naturalistic performances throughout.
Is Die Glücklichen worth watching for drama fans?
If you enjoy intimate, character-driven dramas where conversation and tension do the heavy lifting, Die Glücklichen is a rewarding watch. It's a quiet but emotionally sharp film that trusts its cast and its audience, letting relationships unravel in subtle, believable ways.
What genre is Die Glücklichen?
Die Glücklichen is a pure drama. It leans into the chamber-piece tradition — a small group of people, a confined setting, and escalating emotional stakes. There's no genre blending here; it's a focused, introspective look at friendship, ambition, and the lies people tell themselves.
When was Die Glücklichen released in Germany?
Die Glücklichen had its German release on June 23, 2008. It's a modestly scaled production that found its audience through the strength of its ensemble performances and the quiet intensity of Jan Georg Schütte's direction.
What are similar films to Die Glücklichen?
If Die Glücklichen resonated with you, try Herself (2020), The German Lesson (2019), or Paula (2016) for similarly grounded, character-focused dramas. XX/XY (2002) and Almost Friends (2017) also share that intimate focus on relationships tested by honesty and desire.
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