Ein nasser Hund

Religion - it should unite people. Yet if you believe in something different it divides people - makes them hate rather than love. And it starts wars and many other things that I am certain no religion actually approves of (not some fringe translation, but the actual scripts and that it should be love that conquers all).

But men (and yes mostly in the male sense) are weak - now the movie here has it with someone who has a jewish background but hides it, because otherwise he wouldn't be able to fit in. Just because Christianity is not involved in this, does not mean that you should start blaming religions here. The movie is way more complex than that.

On the other hand, it is less complex than it could be. I think the story (real life as it alleges in the end credits), could have made a great TV show. Where it could have explored family dynamics and the friendships and other relationships (teacher, students and so much more). As it is, it is still a powerful statement - and the "bromance" and romance in the center of the movie work smoothly. Well they have rough edges - but that is what you can consider a smooth depiction of what is or was real.

The movie will not offer easy answers - it will make you overthink certain moral issues. You may not entirely understand our main character - but he plays it as good as possible. Even when themes of jealousy and anger come up, which can be annoying, they feel real ... because they are real. These are boys (and girl(s)) - they have not reached any sort of maturity. Not that all adults ever reach that point - but that's a topic for another discussion. So yes they will act accordingly ... and in a fashion that may not be how you would (re)act. Still since they are true to their character ... it's all that matters ... well that and an ending that, that I'm not sure how you will take or rather digest ... but it's not an easy movie. We knew that from the very first second (well maybe the second second)

I really liked this movie. The dialog was really entertaining and funny and felt like it came natural to all the actors involved. I also liked the intensity of some of the fight scences, as they really made you feel overwhelmed and full of adrenaline, just like the protagonist.

Overall, the movie does not try to solve the middle east conflict nor takes any sides. I really like this as instead it is a story confined mostly to Berlin that forces the audience to challenge its own assumptions and prejudices without skipping a beat when it comes to entertainment.

With its courage to embrace ambivalence and a radically honest narrative style, A Wet Dog is both authentic and exciting. The excellent young actors/actresses appear convincing in their roles and are also able to convey the conflicts through a straightforward narrative script, supported by a cast of experienced actors such as Kida Khodr Ramadan. And cinematically, A Wet Dog is convincing in all respects, be it camera, editing, music or the choice of setting.

Finally a strong German movie with new faces and new talents!