Ende schlecht, alles gut: A Sakall-sized slice of nostalgia

Is it worth your time?

If you like old, gentle character comedies, you’ll probably find something to like here. It’s definitely for the crowd that enjoys the kind of movies where everyone is polite and the stakes are mostly just about saving a shop. If you need explosions or fast pacing, stay away—this thing moves like a slow Sunday afternoon.

Honestly, you are mostly here for S.Z. Sakall. He’s got that specific, worried-yet-warm face that just makes you root for him. He carries the movie on his back, even when the plot decides to take a nap.

The family drama, such as it is

The whole premise of the kids running off to the city feels a bit rehearsed, like we’ve seen this exact same setup in a dozen other films. I was reminded a bit of the domestic messiness in Nobody's Kid, though with less grit and more shop-keeping.

There is a moment about halfway through where the store owner is just staring at his empty shelves. It lasts way longer than it needs to. It’s almost like the camera guy forgot to yell cut. But weirdly, it works. It captures that feeling of being totally done with everything.

Little things that stuck

• The way Sakall fusses over his tie when he’s nervous. It’s a tiny detail, but it feels so real.
• The city scenes look like they were filmed on a shoestring budget, which actually kind of adds to the charm.
• The lighting in the final act is... interesting. Sometimes it’s bright enough to blind you, and other times it’s like everyone’s standing in a foggy basement.

I kept waiting for some big, dramatic explosion of emotion, but it never really comes. It stays grounded, for better or worse. It reminds me a bit of the vibe in Melody of the Heart—pleasant, sweet, and totally fine if you aren't looking for a life-changing experience.

It’s not a masterpiece, and nobody is going to be writing essays about the cinematography. But it’s a nice, honest look at a guy just trying to get his kids back. Sometimes, that’s all you really need on a rainy Tuesday. ☕