This is a fabulous orgy of weird and wonderful characters in a bizarre tale that is tragic yet hypnotic. A unique idea told very well with some funny moments and great cinematography.
21 Reviews
The beauty of indie film
singhlall14 August 2022
charming characters, weak second act
nyanbatcat5 August 2022
This movie excells at presenting charming trash characters and offers a unique premise and overall presentation that is both depressingly bleak and at the same time very colourful and goofy. Especially the two brothers are wellcasted and played, some smaller roles are lacking though. For a movie like this, I feel like the music could have been more vibrant and attention grabbing. I imagine some punk bands would fit well, which is a rare opportunity for a movie.
Anyway, the biggest flaw of the movie is the lack of a overall drive/motivation. Yes, technically there is motivation for every scene, but it's just not a lot. The side plot actually has more power than the main plot. This is especially the case in the second act where the movie drags a bit.
Overall this was a nice experience simply because it was refreshing, but it won't be a movie that is going to reach cult status or any big numbers.
Anyway, the biggest flaw of the movie is the lack of a overall drive/motivation. Yes, technically there is motivation for every scene, but it's just not a lot. The side plot actually has more power than the main plot. This is especially the case in the second act where the movie drags a bit.
Overall this was a nice experience simply because it was refreshing, but it won't be a movie that is going to reach cult status or any big numbers.
It's nice movie
engmsek3 August 2022
Great premise, good actors but a weak third act
sagniknath9 August 2022
Buba is a refreshing change from the usual barrage of foreign films that Netflix adds to its catalogue every year, with the scripts and performances of the latter being very one note.
Buba however immediately holds your attention from the very first scene, huge thanks in part to the lead actor who gives off a very likeable and charming persona and also has great comic timing. He reminds me a lot of French actor Gerard Derpedaeu from the 80s-90s You instantly start rooting for his down on his luck character to succeed.
Another thing I liked about the film is that it smartly avoided any gratuitous sex scene or even implied ones. There is a love interest for our main character but verges more on a Platonic affair that is more appealing emotionally to the audience.
However, the film really starts losing momentum by the time it reaches the 3rd act and seems to be in a rush to somehow patch up all the plot points they had introduced earlier without properly concluding them.
But despite its flaws, Buba provided amicable entertainment for a 1 time watch.
Buba however immediately holds your attention from the very first scene, huge thanks in part to the lead actor who gives off a very likeable and charming persona and also has great comic timing. He reminds me a lot of French actor Gerard Derpedaeu from the 80s-90s You instantly start rooting for his down on his luck character to succeed.
Another thing I liked about the film is that it smartly avoided any gratuitous sex scene or even implied ones. There is a love interest for our main character but verges more on a Platonic affair that is more appealing emotionally to the audience.
However, the film really starts losing momentum by the time it reaches the 3rd act and seems to be in a rush to somehow patch up all the plot points they had introduced earlier without properly concluding them.
But despite its flaws, Buba provided amicable entertainment for a 1 time watch.
Easy, different, funny and very enjoyable
margheritafiletti22 June 2023
I read the snippet and it immediately got me so I've checked the IMDB rating and I wasn't so sure start watching. But I did. It's so interesting from the very beginning and the plot is developing in an original way. I recommend to watch it if you like comedy and action movie. It's easy and funny. Very cool in my opinion. It reminds me some old 90s-00s movie like the snatch or lock and stock.
I don't understand why the rating is about 5,9 because it deserves more. This is a good work by the german cinematography of these last years. I really miss watching action funny movie like this so thanks !
I don't understand why the rating is about 5,9 because it deserves more. This is a good work by the german cinematography of these last years. I really miss watching action funny movie like this so thanks !
Dragging
martinkretschmar10 August 2022
Not the greatest, but between all the other junk and woke propaganda that is released, this wasn't unpleasant.
snake_tlnl4 August 2022
This is not a movie you watch for stellar story telling. But neither is a movie like "The Big Lebowski". This is a comedy, with absurd characters. You either like it or you don't. The acting is nice. The music is fitting. Its pretty well made. It does feel like something is lacking a bit. Some parts feel a bit like drag, some of the humor is a tad bit lame. And it won't reach cult status like the big lebowski. But it was worth the watch if you like movies that are absurd or a bit weird.
Mediocre and too much violence
jjnagler9 August 2022
Compared to "How to sell drugs online fast" this prequel unfortunately doesn't really deliver. It misses a real story and why all this violence? Dark comedy okay but it's not adding anything and is offturning. Tatortreiniger was so much better.
Disappointing as prequel
Pittiplatsch96 August 2022
Considering this movie is a prequel of "How to sell drugs online (fast)", the plot lacks a thrilling story line and does not really add up to the main story.
The idea of the movie on its own might be brilliant, but in my opinion it was a mistake trying to connect it to the series.
This creates expectations that can't be met by this plot.
It's only made up for by the great acting and the fitting shots and setting.
The idea of the movie on its own might be brilliant, but in my opinion it was a mistake trying to connect it to the series.
This creates expectations that can't be met by this plot.
It's only made up for by the great acting and the fitting shots and setting.
Bjarne Mädel at his best
jannehafermalz6 August 2022
Wonderfully dark and quirky comedy. I highly recommend watching this in German (with subtitles) so you can appreciate the brilliance that is Bjarne Mädel. His Buba character was the best part about "how to sell drugs online" so I'm thrilled they gave this character it's own origin story movie.
IF you liked this, check out Tatortreiniger (Crime Scene Cleaner) which was Mädel's most iconic role. Same director. But look for the German original, not the British remake.
IF you liked this, check out Tatortreiniger (Crime Scene Cleaner) which was Mädel's most iconic role. Same director. But look for the German original, not the British remake.
Don't touch.
dennis-schuette8 August 2022
Saw the name Bjarne Mädel and Arne Feldhusen so I gave this flick a try.
This was to become a very mediocre experience though.
The plot's absurd. The acting is tiring. The humor's a tumor.
My girlfriend had a few giggles so her review "might" be a tad better. By the middle of the movie she lost interest though - and fell asleep.
4/10.
This was to become a very mediocre experience though.
The plot's absurd. The acting is tiring. The humor's a tumor.
My girlfriend had a few giggles so her review "might" be a tad better. By the middle of the movie she lost interest though - and fell asleep.
4/10.
Nice characters but doesn't deliver
thomas-leitha6 August 2022
Being in the mood for a black comedy I was drawn into the movie for its opening but lost interest as the plot wasn't sure which direction to go. Some plot twists, absurd interludes and a lotta trash later one wonders why all this happened. Some romance, some fraud, some violence but no substance tp make ends meet at last. Sry for the lost opportunities with a good cast.
Not much happening
flix_friend_394873 August 2022
I watched it for 51 minutes, then I just couldn't endure it any more. Too boring, too many repetitions.
The actors are great, the settings awesome, the costumes rock, but the story ... what is it? Who cares?
What do the characters want? Go to Disneyland? Well go or don't go, I couldn't care less.
None of it matters.
Funny moustaches and trashy track suites just aren't enough to keep me entertained.
The tempo is so slow, I thought it was a series, at fierst.
The actors are great, the settings awesome, the costumes rock, but the story ... what is it? Who cares?
What do the characters want? Go to Disneyland? Well go or don't go, I couldn't care less.
None of it matters.
Funny moustaches and trashy track suites just aren't enough to keep me entertained.
The tempo is so slow, I thought it was a series, at fierst.
Don't trust the ads, it's a low-energy loser... err... story
Brandywein10 August 2022
It's advertised as a dark crime comedy like Bang Boom Bang (which is somewhat like Lock, Stock, and 2 Smoking Barrels), and while I was waiting for cool characters, hilarious situations, and fascinating plot twists, it occurred to me... Wait a minute! This is no fast paced crime comedy. They tricked me into a low-energy Bjarne Mädel loser "comedy"! - And ok, some people like those. But I don't. So I gave it 15 minutes more and got over half the movie. Then I stopped my losses of lifetime and pressed stop on this false advertising.
Hilarious!
laurelhagen6 August 2022
This German film had me rolling with laughter. It's a complete black comedy with tons of visual cues (if you pay strict attention) that only add to its sick humor. The tattoo artist and childhood crush was one of my favorite characters. I will say it's not for everyone if you are looking for a family friendly story. But, If you enjoy foreign films, a good laugh and don't mind reading subtitles, you might want to consider watching.
Why so serious?
derblaueaffelp4 August 2022
Brilliantly absurd tragic comedy with two top German-speaking actors and character actors: Bjarne Mädel and Georg Friedrich, both of whom manage to play the rather one-dimensional and therefore unrealistic roles authentically. The references to fairy tales at the beginning and in the constellation of characters immediately show that this is not a profound character study, but rather an ironic, pointed, but thoroughly entertaining story. I think a problem for many when watching is that both the characters and the performance as a whole can hardly be pigeonholed and oscillates somewhere between modern fairy tale film and ironic trash tragic comedy. Considering this background, I would highly recommend it, even if I found the mother-daughter drama a bit superfluous because it didn't add much to the suspense or plot development.
Underrated Prequel. Needs a special kind of humor to enjoy though
AristarchosTheArchivist17 August 2022
If you haven't seen "How to sell drugs online (fast)", watch it first before you go for this nice little prequel. The series is quite amazing and sets the stage for the side character whose somewhat tragic story is told in "Buba".
Fans of Bjarne Mädel will probably like it. All others should be prepared for some dark humor, but the movie has also a bit of heart.
The characters are very odd and the story is completely ridiculous, in a good way.
The movie is full of great performances, and it's visually appealing, with good pace and editing.
Seems like Netflix does not disappoint when it comes to German productions. Non-Germans may give this one a try, but be sure to use subtitles.
Fans of Bjarne Mädel will probably like it. All others should be prepared for some dark humor, but the movie has also a bit of heart.
The characters are very odd and the story is completely ridiculous, in a good way.
The movie is full of great performances, and it's visually appealing, with good pace and editing.
Seems like Netflix does not disappoint when it comes to German productions. Non-Germans may give this one a try, but be sure to use subtitles.
Quirky Black Comedy.
pauldavidbrazill5 August 2022
Sort of German Quinten Tarantino😁
t-ploegstra5 August 2022
Loved it.
Usually (read not often) i do not tend to see movies in other then English or Dutch spoken movies... I liked this one. With the chapters and all it seamed like a Quinten Tarantino movie. Also had a great laugh at hilarious weard situations of this film.
It deserves the eight i gave. 🙌🏼
Usually (read not often) i do not tend to see movies in other then English or Dutch spoken movies... I liked this one. With the chapters and all it seamed like a Quinten Tarantino movie. Also had a great laugh at hilarious weard situations of this film.
It deserves the eight i gave. 🙌🏼
10/10
ironkadett18 July 2023
Amazing acting and amazing execution. The movie feels like a smooth theater play, and the acting is top notch.
The backstory is truly deep and you can see how it reflects upon the main characters. The movie feels nostalgic, and the way it narrates the story of an unlike, oddball, protagonist is just perfect for the mood this movie sets. Someone here this is an indie film and that's why it is so beautiful. Maybe that is the reason, but they absolutely nailed it.
It is truly an amazing film which deserves to be recognised more, also all of those who put their heart and soul into this movie. You can see they actually cared for the quality of their product, unlike any modern high budget corporate development team.
I recommend it, for teenagers and above, and an amazing film to pass the time, but also something deep. It is not THAT deel that will leave you with depression, but it has a meaning behind it, but doesn't force it down your throat. Like I said, you can watch it for the artistic value or just plain fun.
The backstory is truly deep and you can see how it reflects upon the main characters. The movie feels nostalgic, and the way it narrates the story of an unlike, oddball, protagonist is just perfect for the mood this movie sets. Someone here this is an indie film and that's why it is so beautiful. Maybe that is the reason, but they absolutely nailed it.
It is truly an amazing film which deserves to be recognised more, also all of those who put their heart and soul into this movie. You can see they actually cared for the quality of their product, unlike any modern high budget corporate development team.
I recommend it, for teenagers and above, and an amazing film to pass the time, but also something deep. It is not THAT deel that will leave you with depression, but it has a meaning behind it, but doesn't force it down your throat. Like I said, you can watch it for the artistic value or just plain fun.
One of the best german movies I have seen
SirSimonSmith17 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A funny Spin-Off prequel of my favourite character Buba from the series How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast).
It's a good movie for fans of the series. The humor is dark but funny, the story is good, no masterpiece but good. Pretty well pacing and good acting.
The first and third act are good, but in my opinion the second is a little too long and boring.
In his childhood Jakob Ottos grandma thaught him that every Time something good happens to him, a bad thing happens around him. So a good thing happend to him at a Breakdance contest his crush kissed him after he won this contest. But the bad thing after was, that his parents died in a accident and his brother got injured badly. In case that something like this never happens again, Jakob always puts himself in bad situations.
The brothers are having a adventure, including death, drugs, mafia and more cool stuff until Jakob, now called Buba by their mafia, finds out that his brother never was ill and good things happening doesn't cause bad things Happening around him.
So, good one.
It's a good movie for fans of the series. The humor is dark but funny, the story is good, no masterpiece but good. Pretty well pacing and good acting.
The first and third act are good, but in my opinion the second is a little too long and boring.
In his childhood Jakob Ottos grandma thaught him that every Time something good happens to him, a bad thing happens around him. So a good thing happend to him at a Breakdance contest his crush kissed him after he won this contest. But the bad thing after was, that his parents died in a accident and his brother got injured badly. In case that something like this never happens again, Jakob always puts himself in bad situations.
The brothers are having a adventure, including death, drugs, mafia and more cool stuff until Jakob, now called Buba by their mafia, finds out that his brother never was ill and good things happening doesn't cause bad things Happening around him.
So, good one.
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