"Willi und die Windzors" or "Willi and the Windsors" is a German television film from 1996, so this one has its 20th anniversary this year. It a television production and the man behind this is (not Didi Hallervorden who also made Willi films, but) Hape Kerkeling. He co-wrote, directed and also acted in here. It's one of the rare occasions where we also see him direct. After having watched quite a few Kerkeling films (recently), I must say that there is positive and negative. However, his greatest strength is still hosting in my opinion and then there is a big gap and then there is other stuff like acting, writing or directing. The plot is fairly absurd as so many other times with Kerkeling. Britain abolishes the monarchy and the royal family flees to relatives in Germany. Unlucky for them (lucky for us), they are completely different compared to the Queen and the rest of the bunch. The good thing here is that they weren't scared of using the real names of the royals and that also includes Lady Di shortly before her death. The cast is okay all in all. There are really good actors in here like Fassbinder regulars Brigitte Mira (perfect casting for Queen Mum) and Irm Hermann, but there are also people in here very limited in range such as Isabell Varell. The one who is most known to international audiences is probably Ludger Pistor thanks to his work on Bond and other international productions. But back to this film here. It's 100 comedy really, but it's sadly not really funny that often and the romance parts did very little for me. All in all, I would not say that this is among the very best Kerkeling has come up with. Thumbs down and I don't recommend the watch of this 85-minute film.
Review of Willi und die Windzors
