Billy Kuckuck - Angezählt (2021)
A warm-hearted German TV film about a bailiff who finds unexpected purpose in saving a boxing legend's school for at-risk youth.
Billy Kuckuck - Angezählt - Movie Information
- Original Title: Billy Kuckuck - Angezählt
- Release Year: 2021
- Directed by: Thomas Freundner
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Comedy, Family, TV Movie
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- Production Companies: FFP New Media, SWR, ARD, ARD Degeto
- Production Countries: Germany
- Alternative Titles: Angezählt (DE), Billy Kuckuck: Be Counted (US)
Billy Kuckuck - Angezählt - Plot
Former boxing world champion Kai Burdenski is up to his ears in debt and can neither pay rent nor electricity for his boxing school. This is tragic not least because he trains teenagers from youth welfare, for whom his run-down hall has become a home. In particular, the young, talented asylum seeker Samy, who lost her entire family while fleeing Afghanistan, has taken Burdenski under his wing. It doesn't take long for bailiff Billy Kuckuck to understand that the former boxing professional is more than just a coach for Samy and the other young people, namely also a social worker and surrogate father. Therefore, Billy looks for ways and means to help the boxing legend, and turns to his daughter Jessica. But she only saw her father from his worst sides during his sports career and doesn't want to hear anything from him anymore. Burdenski's stubbornness and pride are not helpful here either.
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Billy Kuckuck - Angezählt - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Thomas Freundner
Main Cast
- Aglaia Szyszkowitz
- Ralph Herforth
- Saron Degineh
- Ursela Monn
- Gregor Bloéb
- Vivien Sczesny
- Eva Verena Müller
- Rüdiger Klink
- Tabea Bettin
- Paul Sundheim
Writers
- Stephan Pächer
- René Förder
Producers
- Michael Smeaton
- Anemone Müller
- Simone Höller
Billy Kuckuck - Angezählt - FAQs
What is Billy Kuckuck - Angezählt about?
The film follows Billy Kuckuck, a bailiff sent to collect debts from a struggling former boxing champion. What she finds is a man who is far more than a debtor — he's a coach, social worker, and surrogate father to vulnerable teenagers, including a young Afghan refugee named Samy who lost her entire family while fleeing her homeland.
Does Billy Kuckuck - Angezählt have a happy ending?
The film leans into warmth and resolution. Billy's growing empathy for Burdenski and the young people in his care drives her to seek creative solutions, including reaching out to his estranged daughter Jessica. While the path is bumpy — Burdenski's pride doesn't help — the story ultimately moves toward hope and reconciliation.
Where can you watch Billy Kuckuck - Angezählt?
You can check all current streaming and viewing options for Billy Kuckuck - Angezählt on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. As a German TV movie originally broadcast on ARD and SWR, it may be available through regional public broadcasters or on-demand services.
Who plays Billy Kuckuck in the film?
Aglaia Szyszkowitz takes on the title role of Billy Kuckuck, the bailiff whose professional mission gradually transforms into a personal one. Ralph Herforth plays Kai Burdenski, the debt-ridden boxing legend at the heart of the story, with Saron Degineh delivering a standout performance as Samy, the young Afghan refugee.
What is the relationship between Billy and Burdenski?
Billy arrives as an adversary — she's there to enforce debt collection and potentially shut down Burdenski's boxing school. But as she witnesses the genuine impact he has on at-risk youth, her role shifts. She becomes an unlikely ally, working to help him rather than against him, which forms the emotional core of the film.
Who directed Billy Kuckuck - Angezählt?
Thomas Freundner directed the film. It was produced by FFP New Media in collaboration with German broadcasters SWR, ARD, and ARD Degeto, placing it firmly in the tradition of quality German TV drama that blends social themes with accessible, family-friendly storytelling.
Is Billy Kuckuck - Angezählt suitable for families?
Yes, the film is categorized as Drama, Comedy, and Family, making it well-suited for older children and adults watching together. It touches on serious themes — debt, displacement, estrangement — but handles them with warmth and a light comedic touch that keeps the tone accessible and uplifting rather than heavy.
What themes does Billy Kuckuck - Angezählt explore?
The film weaves together themes of redemption, found family, and social responsibility. It examines how pride and stubbornness can isolate people, while also celebrating the quiet heroism of those who care for the vulnerable. The refugee storyline adds a layer of contemporary social relevance to what is ultimately a deeply human story.
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