Sumo Bruno

Having just seen Sumo Bruno at London's German Film Festival, the first thing that strikes me is what a crying shame it is that distributors are not picking this gem up because they think audiences won't want to see a film about a "fat person." This is Germany's answer to The Full Monty - a delightful, funny, heart-warming, life-affirming film that avoids mawkishness or sentimentality, but proves deeply humane. Superbly acted, great sound, interesting photography - I can't think of any downfalls. As for the "fat person" worry... perhaps those distributors should get out of their glass and marble enclaves a little more often... this works because it's about REAL people finding their dreams...

Just saw the premiere at the Montreal Film Festival and was greatly entertained. Sumo Bruno is a German film of a 400+ lbs man who finds meaning and self-esteem in a quest to win a sumo-wrestling championship. The story is, in many ways, very conventional with respect to various relationships and plot developments, however the story and characters transcend the Rocky cliches.

The fun--if lightweight--fable of a 420lb German softie who toughens himself to go after the World Sumo Championship which coincidentally happens to be held in his hometown. Gentle performance by our big hero in a gently perfunctory script. Some good sight gags and an attractive love interest keep the movie bouncing along towards a fairly determined ending. We could have had more of the Japanese coach (where is the necessary philosophical doctrine, the mantra?) and a bit less of the mean ex-boyfriend. Real sumo fans may be disappointed with the fairly limited sumo action. Somewhere between a kid's movie and a fable for fattie adults, the movie is enjoyable on its primary level as a mild comedy. The opening and closing credits are a delightful treat. The Canadian lumberjack sumo was also a howler. Mike G. liked this movie even better than I did. The director also showed up at our screening in Montreal and he was the nicest guy imaginable and terribly funny.

Well filmed, but bad: cliché, silly, predictable. Lazy script.

I just saw this wonderful film tonight at the German Film Festival in London.

I knew from the brilliant opening title sequence that this film was going to a treat.

This could film could and should be a worldwide hit. I hope it will be. It has everything going for it. It's very well written, full of wonderful performances, has fantastic music throughout and the cinematography is gorgeous.

I couldn't have enjoyed it more and I was sad when it ended. It's a definite 10/10 film, and I don't give such a high score lightly. Look out for it and go and see it!