User reviews

This nice German film is based on a simple idea. The unemployed factory worker Edwin Strunz goes on holiday and after a haircut is mistaken for the local governor (Ministerpräsident) Uwe Achimsen. The governor was taking a holiday, which leaves Strunz in charge. Rather than taking advantage of this mix up for his own benefit, Strunz stays true to his roots and uses his new found position to help others. His simple charm enchants both allies and enemies and enables Strunz to get things done as governor that his less charming double couldn't. The humour comes mainly from the way that the character Strunz manages to avoid answering questions directly and the interactions with Achimsen's nearest and dearest. Wolfgang Stumph does an excellent job, playing both roles convincingly. The supporting cast is well chosen, Katja Riemann adding the necessary dramatic edge to the whole film. Overall, well worth watching on a snowy Sunday evening.