Der Rebell - Von Leimen nach Wimbledon

"Der Rebell" is a biopic of Boris Becker, to date the youngest man to win Wimbledon, at the age of 17.

Rather than telling the eventful and capricious life story of Becker, from childhood to stardom to jail, the movie wisely focuses on Becker's transformative teenage period. A passionate yet troubled young player, Boris is discovered by former Davis Cup captain Günther Bosch. The sensitive and down-to-earth coach discovers the boy's talent and potential, hidden beneath a layer of volcanic eruptions and clumsy footwork. Against all odds and despite less than enthusiastic tennis-association officials - and along with eccentric but savvy manager, Ion Tiriac - Bosch forms Becker into a Wimbledon champion. There, the trouble starts.

All actors are well played, partly even to an uncanny degree of resemblance (Tiriac, Bosch, and Becker's father). Overall, the film has a strong feel-good vibe, with the inevitable mix of high-energy 80s hit songs, clothes and hairstyles. Many famous quotes and scenes give the film a biographic, documentary aura. Make no mistake, though: This is mostly an entertaining work of fiction, albeit strongly inspired by Becker's vita. Becker at times comes across as almost oddly eccentric and rebellious, at other times as a happy-go-lucky and eloquent womanizer. The film doesn't fully give full justice to his troubled, driven personality. Also, Tiriac is cast as somewhat cold-blooded and weirdly distant, although Becker himself claimed he was closer to his heart than Bosch himself.

Overall, a solidly entertaining feel-good film, with enough tennis bites in it for fans - but enough of all-too-human drama to make it worth watching even for people who are only vaguely aware of Boris Becker's fame.