"Der Eisbär" is a German 85-minute movie from 1998, so this one is already almost 20 years old. The writer and director is Granz Henman and his co-director is Til Schweiger. For both, it is the first effort in their respective positions here, but Schweiger was of course also an established actor at this point already and it should be no surprise to anybody that he landed the lead role. For Henman it is still a contender for his most known work almost two decades later. But now let us take a look at this one here. At times, it reminded me of an inferior version of "Reservoir Dogs" and I would not be surprised if it inspired that project. As for this one here, Schweiger is fairly decent and works nicely for the main character. But there are weaknesses too. For such a relatively short film, it has too many entirely forgettable scenes or scenes that even did not fit in well when it comes to realism, authenticity or just convincing character development. The script could have been better on many occasions and it fits somehow looking at Henman's other famous films.
But there are also good moments. Many actors in here are familiar faces in this film (I won't list the names, just check the cast list) and these add something through their talent or charisma. I personally liked seeing Leonard Lansink (Wilsberg) as a pretty silent barkeeper here and the scene at the bar was indeed really fun, maybe when this film was at its best. As for the ending, however, I was not convinced. Not only could it have been better, but it also felt as if the filmmakers sacrificed realism and quality here to make it look as showy and spectacular as possibly. It may only be subjective perception and opinion, but I don't like this approach at all I must say and there were enough decent moments that made me think that the film deserves a better ending for sure. And you actually even learn something in here about female sexuality and male anatomy, maybe the most crucial moment of the film. Anyway, this film is proof that Schweiger also can give somewhat decent performances if he wants to and it is certainly one of his better career performances, maybe also because it is better than most of the stuff he has appeared in recently. The story here is so different and it is pretty bold at times. If you go bold, you go wrong sometimes too, but I can accept that. Just don't expect a truly epic outcome and you may have a time watching this one at least as good as I did. 6 of 10 may be a bit on the generous side, but I recommend watching it.
But there are also good moments. Many actors in here are familiar faces in this film (I won't list the names, just check the cast list) and these add something through their talent or charisma. I personally liked seeing Leonard Lansink (Wilsberg) as a pretty silent barkeeper here and the scene at the bar was indeed really fun, maybe when this film was at its best. As for the ending, however, I was not convinced. Not only could it have been better, but it also felt as if the filmmakers sacrificed realism and quality here to make it look as showy and spectacular as possibly. It may only be subjective perception and opinion, but I don't like this approach at all I must say and there were enough decent moments that made me think that the film deserves a better ending for sure. And you actually even learn something in here about female sexuality and male anatomy, maybe the most crucial moment of the film. Anyway, this film is proof that Schweiger also can give somewhat decent performances if he wants to and it is certainly one of his better career performances, maybe also because it is better than most of the stuff he has appeared in recently. The story here is so different and it is pretty bold at times. If you go bold, you go wrong sometimes too, but I can accept that. Just don't expect a truly epic outcome and you may have a time watching this one at least as good as I did. 6 of 10 may be a bit on the generous side, but I recommend watching it.