The film is a disappointment when it comes to depth, and the humor is either slapstick or sexual--which is fine, if you don't expect anything else. The concept of a very verbally assertive penis is what I found to be the funniest element of the film, while the initiation into sex and all the pains of adolescence portrayed was nothing more than light, insignificant fluff. I watched the dubbed English version of the film, and I agree with other reviewers on the issues of misrepresenting the original script and giving the characters accents that did not help the already somewhat flailing acting prowess within the film. Regardless of all this, however, the film has its moments--if you have time to filter them out.
11 Reviews
Funny, if you go watch it without expecting anything substantial...
kiddb235 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Pretty bad and embarrassing for the most part
Horst_In_Translation8 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
"Harte Jungs" is a German movie from 2000. It is relatively short, stays easily under the 90-minute mark and was directed by Marc Rothemund. It is certainly still one of his most known works, even if his career-defining film is probably the Oscar-nominated "Sophie Scholl". The writer is Granz Henman, i.e. he adapted Alberto Moravia's novel. And Moravia was already dead for 10 years, which may have been a good thing that he did not see the outcome of this film we have here. As for Henman, he went on to write and also direct the sequel to "Harte Jungs" two years later. I would try to justify his weak work on these two films by lack of experience, but honestly it is not possible as his possibly best movie "Der Eisbär" was also his very first and some of his recent work, after being busy in the industry for a long time, is downright horrible ("Coming In"). Anyway, back to this one here. It is comedy from start to finish with the occasional romance/fantasy element. Lookikng at the cast you will find several names that are still somewhat known today like (the then still chubby) Stein, Tander, Jürgens, Perlinger, Sawatzki, Ruland and lead actor Schenke, whose star has gone down pretty quickly though. But also with these names, it becomes obvious that (almost) all of these are actors who never really scored with great talent or range, but rather with charisma and recognition value and maybe also a memorable physicality for the women mostly.
And still, the actors are not really the ones to blame for what a mess this film turned out to be. It is the script. First of all, the part about talking male genitalia is taken early as a crucial component of the plot and then it is not elaborated on later at all for really really long sequences as if it is the most normal thing in the world. Besides that, the plot is as predictable as nonsensical really. This includes for example the parents' talk with the protagonist, but also all the conversations with the girl of his dreams. And how are we supposed to like him if he (freshly together with the real girl of his dreams that truly loves him) starts looking after the first attractive other girl he encounters. Is that what men are? Maybe some, maybe also the central character here. And maybe this is why (besides from Schenke's lack of talent) he comes off as a complete jerk and idiot from start to finish. It sure takes a special lack of range if you are easily outclassed by a genuinely mediocre actor like Axel Stein in your movie. So yeah, there is a decent moment here and there and it is also very much in the film's favor that it does not take itself seriously at all because it does not have any right to, but as a whole this was a disappointment and I am glad it runs for 80 minutes only and this already includes credits. But sadly people back then here in Germany loved trash comedies already as much as they do today and the consequence was a sequel that turned out probably worse even than this one here and that's quite a challenge. Then again, you should already stay away from this very first film. Not recommended.
And still, the actors are not really the ones to blame for what a mess this film turned out to be. It is the script. First of all, the part about talking male genitalia is taken early as a crucial component of the plot and then it is not elaborated on later at all for really really long sequences as if it is the most normal thing in the world. Besides that, the plot is as predictable as nonsensical really. This includes for example the parents' talk with the protagonist, but also all the conversations with the girl of his dreams. And how are we supposed to like him if he (freshly together with the real girl of his dreams that truly loves him) starts looking after the first attractive other girl he encounters. Is that what men are? Maybe some, maybe also the central character here. And maybe this is why (besides from Schenke's lack of talent) he comes off as a complete jerk and idiot from start to finish. It sure takes a special lack of range if you are easily outclassed by a genuinely mediocre actor like Axel Stein in your movie. So yeah, there is a decent moment here and there and it is also very much in the film's favor that it does not take itself seriously at all because it does not have any right to, but as a whole this was a disappointment and I am glad it runs for 80 minutes only and this already includes credits. But sadly people back then here in Germany loved trash comedies already as much as they do today and the consequence was a sequel that turned out probably worse even than this one here and that's quite a challenge. Then again, you should already stay away from this very first film. Not recommended.
Written and directed by Al Bundy?
Mort-3118 September 2002
Wow. I thought, Eskimo Limon was the most awful and embarrassing first-sex movie ever. But I had forgotten that Germany always tries to compete. In this case, the well-known German film producer Bernd Eichinger was successful in producing even worse crap. Harte Jungs is stupid, not believable and predictable, and above all: not funny. It's almost a tragedy that so many kids went to see this in Germany (and, I'm afraid, also Austria).
Tobias Schenke, 19, looks too nice to have no girlfriend and too ripe to be 15, and his character is too dumb to be true. Schenke tries real hard to make us believe that he doesn't know ANYthing about sex, but that doesn't help. Harte Jungs seems to be made by someone who watched Al Bundy and took him too seriously.
The best actors in the movie are Sissi Perlinger and Stefan Jürgens who play Schenke's semi-liberal parents. Perlinger and Jürgens are stand-up comedians who are not particularly talented in movie acting. Still, their performances are the `best' and `funniest' in comparison.
A complete failure.
Tobias Schenke, 19, looks too nice to have no girlfriend and too ripe to be 15, and his character is too dumb to be true. Schenke tries real hard to make us believe that he doesn't know ANYthing about sex, but that doesn't help. Harte Jungs seems to be made by someone who watched Al Bundy and took him too seriously.
The best actors in the movie are Sissi Perlinger and Stefan Jürgens who play Schenke's semi-liberal parents. Perlinger and Jürgens are stand-up comedians who are not particularly talented in movie acting. Still, their performances are the `best' and `funniest' in comparison.
A complete failure.
Mediocre
white4311 May 2004
Indeed, perhaps the German version of American Pie. Same kind of confused, inexperienced guy likes certain experienced girl etc. Has a few friends who want to help out. Gets himself into a few 'laughable' situations. Thats where the similarity ends.
This film simply doesn't have the well-written edge and performances that American Pie does. You really feel for Jason Biggs, but certainly not for this guy. At 15, you also know he's not going to get some anyway. So where exactly is this going? It's highly predictable and there's no real character development here. As for his talking Johnson - well, what's the point of that?
The film desperately wants to be American. With the exception of the few buildings you actually see, you'd hardly know this was in Germany. (Plus the fact that the dubbed version uses American accents.)
As for the girl he ends up with? No way. Why why why?
I watched the English dubbed version, so I suspect some things may have been lost in translation. This however does not make up for an essentially dull and predicable story.
A few comments here are saying this film is good. I see they're all German/Hungarian. It's nice to be patriotic and support your own films, but seriously - if you've seen American Pie - give this a miss.
This film simply doesn't have the well-written edge and performances that American Pie does. You really feel for Jason Biggs, but certainly not for this guy. At 15, you also know he's not going to get some anyway. So where exactly is this going? It's highly predictable and there's no real character development here. As for his talking Johnson - well, what's the point of that?
The film desperately wants to be American. With the exception of the few buildings you actually see, you'd hardly know this was in Germany. (Plus the fact that the dubbed version uses American accents.)
As for the girl he ends up with? No way. Why why why?
I watched the English dubbed version, so I suspect some things may have been lost in translation. This however does not make up for an essentially dull and predicable story.
A few comments here are saying this film is good. I see they're all German/Hungarian. It's nice to be patriotic and support your own films, but seriously - if you've seen American Pie - give this a miss.
really life-like, charming film
Laslow21 February 2002
A happy-end story that remembers you to your teenager-age in a very charming way, not disgusting, like American Pie tries. When you watch it, you feel you live in that town, those young people are your classmates, your friends, and everything that happens in the film could have happened in your life.
The cast is perfect, the actors and actresses work very well. You will laugh much but you will be sad also.
The locations are also really good choices - those are so European!
This film does its best for entertaining you. Watch it! I am sure you won't be disappointed!
The cast is perfect, the actors and actresses work very well. You will laugh much but you will be sad also.
The locations are also really good choices - those are so European!
This film does its best for entertaining you. Watch it! I am sure you won't be disappointed!
Ants in the pants?
kosmasp5 July 2021
If that actually is the english title of the movie, I have to admit it is quite funny and maybe even funnier than the german one (Hard Boys - well innuendo and pun intended I am certain of it). Having said that and being reminded that this was Axel Steins debut movie ... this is quite a fun ride ... if you are not too squeamish and do not mind jokes that are considered offensive today.
Even so, when in the beginning our main character is being falsely identified as homosexual, the movie does treat that subject matter quite well all things considering. Yes the jokes are mostly below the waist line (I mean we're talking about a ... talking penis - or is it a Penis whose thoughts we hear? Do not overthink it) ... with some nudity to top it all of - pun intended.
This is not high class but it never pretends to be - it is also clear that the guy (Axel Stein) who pretends to know so much ... knows less than little when it comes to the opposite gender ... so you can be offended by the things he says or just roll with it ...
Even so, when in the beginning our main character is being falsely identified as homosexual, the movie does treat that subject matter quite well all things considering. Yes the jokes are mostly below the waist line (I mean we're talking about a ... talking penis - or is it a Penis whose thoughts we hear? Do not overthink it) ... with some nudity to top it all of - pun intended.
This is not high class but it never pretends to be - it is also clear that the guy (Axel Stein) who pretends to know so much ... knows less than little when it comes to the opposite gender ... so you can be offended by the things he says or just roll with it ...
Germany's funniest one this year
Maverick-8019 April 2000
While many German producers often try to adapt American stories and rewrite them for the German market, the producers of "Harte Jungs" went another way. Due to marketing reasons this film was often referred to as "the german answer to American Pie", but this is quite untrue. Except for everyone constantly talking about sex without having any live experience the two movies have nothing in common. Both of them are great. But as it is a German film with a very limited budget and very young actors (Luise Helm who plays Lisa is barely 17) "Harte Jungs" is even better.
Permanently amusing and never boring, this film definitely belongs to germany's best movies this year, even if it does not match the sophisticated standards of the movie critics, but who cares. Perfect entertainment, very good actors and permanent laughter make this movie one of my favorites in the first half of 2000.
Permanently amusing and never boring, this film definitely belongs to germany's best movies this year, even if it does not match the sophisticated standards of the movie critics, but who cares. Perfect entertainment, very good actors and permanent laughter make this movie one of my favorites in the first half of 2000.
Good Fun
vivek-kv-8014 September 2009
This was one of the first raunchy teen comedies I watched. I were in the first year of Engineering, and the VCD rental fellow recommended it as another American Pie. Me and my friends felt it was better than American Pie. Just watched the movie again last week and I have to say the initial perception still stands.
Agreed there is a lot of similarities with American Pie, but the film was much sweeter. Not as raunchy as American Pie. Also the story plot was much simpler. But still the film feels more personal.
Some of the lines in the movie was really funny. The performance by the leads and the bloke who played Red were pretty good. All in all Its worth a watch. I am really surprised by the low ratings of the movie.
Agreed there is a lot of similarities with American Pie, but the film was much sweeter. Not as raunchy as American Pie. Also the story plot was much simpler. But still the film feels more personal.
Some of the lines in the movie was really funny. The performance by the leads and the bloke who played Red were pretty good. All in all Its worth a watch. I am really surprised by the low ratings of the movie.
Good Movie
Rinho188 February 2001
harte Jungs is a good German movie. It is comparable to American Pie, but definitely not as original and not as funny as American Pie. This film is really funny and has some memorable jokes. My favorite scene is the god looking at the boy kinda surprised. That was really funny. There are better German films, but this is one of the best German comedies. I can think of just one german comedy that was better, and that´s Knockin on Heavens Door. And Lola rennt, if you consider it a comedy. All in all, I rated Harte Jungs and recommend it to fans of American Pie.
much said .....watch it, decide it
hiteshrawat24 June 2008
The name was weird and that was why I downloaded this movie from the internet but when I read reviews about this movie, which were very misleading cause I really liked this movie. The movie explores the world of a boy who has just reached his teen.
The boy who has just hit his puberty is in great confusion cause suddenly his d**k has started to talk to him. He suddenly feels pervert and immense feel to have _ _ _. The movie shows the very fact which a normal teenager must have felt in his that period of life. For the movie was awesome as it has shows a real good and intelligent story. I have just found its second part is made.......gonna watch that too.
The boy who has just hit his puberty is in great confusion cause suddenly his d**k has started to talk to him. He suddenly feels pervert and immense feel to have _ _ _. The movie shows the very fact which a normal teenager must have felt in his that period of life. For the movie was awesome as it has shows a real good and intelligent story. I have just found its second part is made.......gonna watch that too.
better than american pie
msanderson15 April 2000
It is often said, that Harte Jungs is called the German version of American pie, but in my opinion it is better because it is a german production. i think the film is very funny, and it is surprising how stupid flo is in this film. i think a boy who is fifteen years old couldn't know nothing about sex. it is very good that there is something like a happy-end.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
