IMDb 6.6 2018 HD

The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch

The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch

2018
Comedy
94 min TV-MA Germany
6.016 / 10
6.6 IMDB

The young Orthodox Jew, Motti Wolkenbruch, finds himself at a turning point. His beloved mother wants him to get married and presents one marriage candidate after the other.…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Michael Steiner
Starring
Noémie Schmidt / Joel Basman / Sunnyi Melles / Udo Samel / Inge Maux / Alexander Seibt / Oriana Schrage / Philippe Graber

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

charming poignant humorous cultural traditional romantic conflicted sensitive familial awakening relatable thoughtful

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
Apr 10, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A tender and often amusing exploration of a young man's awakening, 'The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch' succeeds through its authentic portrayal of cultural expectations and personal desires. Joel Basman is excellent as Motti, navigating his complex feelings with…

R
Reginald Hayes
Apr 10, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

'The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch' presents an intriguing premise: a young Orthodox Jew struggling with an overbearing mother's matchmaking and his own unexpected desires. Joel Basman carries the lead role capably, conveying Motti's quiet rebellion and confusion. The…

P
Penelope Davies
Apr 10, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This is a delightful cinematic gem. 'The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch' masterfully blends humour and heart, presenting Motti's journey of self discovery with genuine warmth. Joel Basman is compelling as the young protagonist, embodying his innocence and burgeoning…

A
Arthur Finch
Apr 10, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

'The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch' offers a refreshingly honest look at the complexities of identity and love within a conservative religious community. Joel Basman anchors the film with a performance that is both earnest and subtly humorous, capturing…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 10, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Joel Basman delivers a wonderfully nuanced performance as Motti Wolkenbruch, a young man caught between the strictures of his Orthodox Jewish upbringing and the stirrings of his own heart. The film, while dealing with weighty themes of tradition…

FAQs

This film beautifully straddles the line between genres. While it deals with significant themes of religious tradition, familial duty, and forbidden love, it does so with a remarkable lightness of touch. The comedic elements arise organically from Motti's awkward encounters and his internal conflict, never feeling forced. It’s a narrative that invites viewers to smile at the absurdities of life while also contemplating the deeper emotional journey of its protagonist. Expect a story that is both poignant and amusing, offering a balanced viewing experience.