Vaterherz (2007)
A German TV drama about a workaholic father who must rediscover his priorities after his wife unexpectedly walks out.
Vaterherz - Movie Information
Vaterherz - Plot
Everything seems to be going according to plan for graduate engineer Oliver Berger. He has only just landed a lucrative contract for his employer when he is already entrusted with the next major project. He willingly puts up with constant trips abroad and working through weekends. Meanwhile, his wife Lena and his ten-year-old son Moritz wait for him at his apartment in Erfurt or at the weekend house. Berger has never worried that his marriage might suffer as a result of his job. So he is all the more stunned when Lena leaves him at the drop of a hat. Suddenly, Berger is a single father.
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Vaterherz - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gabi Kubach
Main Cast
- Francis Fulton-Smith
- Ursula Buschhorn
- Karl Kranzkowski
- Petra Kelling
- Dieter Mann
- Maximilian Werner
- Thorsten Feller
- Bruno F. Apitz
- Anne-Kathrin Gummich
- Silvina Buchbauer
Writers
- Ulrich del Mestre
Producers
- Dagmar Rosenbauer
Vaterherz - FAQs
What is Vaterherz about?
Vaterherz follows Oliver Berger, a driven engineer who sacrifices family time for his career. When his wife Lena unexpectedly walks out, he's left to raise their ten-year-old son Moritz alone. The film explores how he rediscovers what truly matters as he learns to be a present, caring father.
Does Oliver Berger win custody of his son?
The custody battle is central to the drama in Vaterherz. Oliver fights to keep Moritz in his life after Lena's sudden departure, navigating the legal system with the help of his lawyer. The film portrays the emotional and procedural challenges fathers face in such disputes.
Why does Lena leave Oliver so suddenly?
Lena's departure reflects years of emotional neglect caused by Oliver's relentless work schedule. While Oliver never saw a problem with his lifestyle, Lena had quietly reached her breaking point. Her decision forces Oliver to confront how completely he had taken his family for granted.
Who are the main actors in Vaterherz?
Francis Fulton-Smith leads the cast as Oliver Berger, with Ursula Buschhorn playing his wife Lena and young Maximilian Werner as their son Moritz. The supporting cast includes Dieter Mann, Petra Kelling, Karl Kranzkowski, Thorsten Feller, and Silvina Buchbauer.
Who directed Vaterherz?
Vaterherz was directed by Gabi Kubach. The screenplay was written by Ulrich del Mestre, and the film was produced by Dagmar Rosenbauer for ARD, Germany's major public broadcasting network. Cinematography was handled by Thomas Etzold.
Is Vaterherz based on a true story?
Vaterherz is not based on a specific true story. It's an original screenplay by Ulrich del Mestre, though its themes of work-life imbalance, marital breakdown, and single fatherhood are drawn from widely relatable real-life experiences, giving the film a grounded, authentic feel.
What genre is Vaterherz?
Vaterherz is a TV drama produced for German public broadcaster ARD. It blends family drama with emotional character study, focusing on themes of parenthood, career ambition, and personal growth. It's the kind of intimate, character-driven story that German television drama does particularly well.
What are some movies similar to Vaterherz?
If you enjoyed Vaterherz, you might also like The Magic of Ordinary Days (2005), a heartfelt drama about unexpected family bonds, or Timeless Love (2019) for another emotionally driven story. Scum (1977) and Cheaters (2000) offer grittier takes on family and social pressures.
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