The German Film 'Toni Erdmann' Praised Worldwide | MOVIE
A Warm, Humorous Look at the Universal Father-Daughter Relationship
TONI ERDMANN
The German film "Toni Erdmann," a warm and humorous portrayal of the universal relationship between a father and daughter, will be released in Japan on Saturday, June 24, at Cine Switch Ginza, Shinjuku Musashinokan, and other theaters nationwide.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Directed by Maren Ade, Director of "The Forest for the Trees"
In "Toni Erdmann," a father, worried about his daughter who has forgotten how to smile due to her all-consuming work, disguises himself as "Toni Erdmann" and unexpectedly appears before her, causing a stir. The film, which premiered at last year's Cannes Film Festival and has won over 40 awards worldwide, including an Academy Award nomination, will now be screened in Japan.
The screenplay and direction are by Maren Ade, a German female director. This is her third feature film, following her second feature, "The Forest for the Trees" (2009), which won the Grand Jury Prize and the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Jack Nicholson, who was captivated by the film upon seeing it during its US release, is set to star in a Hollywood remake, making this a highly anticipated project.
Father Appears as 'Toni Erdmann' in Disguise, Unexpectedly Showing Up Before His Daughter
Winfried, a father with a playful sense of humor, and his daughter Ines, who has left her hometown to work as a consultant abroad. The relationship between the two, who have opposite personalities, is not going well.
Concerned that his daughter, whom he rarely sees, is always working and has forgotten how to smile, Winfried dons a buck-toothed denture and a wig, transforming into a different person named "Toni Erdmann" to appear before Ines.
Ines is irritated by the unpredictable actions of Toni Erdmann at her workplace, at restaurants, and at parties. What relationship will emerge after their clashes?
The film features a soundtrack of renowned songs, including Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All," which she cherished, Avicii's "Wake Me Up!," and The Cure's "Plainsong." Viewers can look forward to a story that elicits both laughter and tears.
TONI ERDMANN
Opening Saturday, June 24, at Cine Switch Ginza, Shinjuku Musashinokan, and other theaters nationwide.
Director & Screenplay: Maren Ade
Starring: Peter Simonischek, Sandra Hüller
2016 / Germany, Austria / 162 min