What men are capable of when they are up to their necks in water was demonstrated extremely successfully, entertainingly and movingly at the same time by the social comedy "Ganz oder gar nicht". The Swedish-German co-production "Männer im Wasser" also follows a very similar pattern, but has enough charm of its own to step out of the shadows of its great role model and play itself into the hearts of the audience.
Unemployment, marital problems, estrangement from his daughter - the life of journalist Fredrik (Jonas Inde) has truly seen better days. When his hockey training with his buddies, the center of his life, is abruptly put to an end, Fredrik threatens to finally sink into self-abandonment. But then a humorous idea for a bachelor's evening creates a new challenge for Fredrik and his friends: together they are to launch a professional synchronized swimming team. And that's not the end of the dream: the ambitious recreational athlete wants to take part in the synchronized swimming world championships in Berlin with this very team. But there's still a long way to go before that happens...
"Men in Water" may not be quite as brash and snappy as his obvious role model. But that's not a bad thing, on balance. For this cinematic water ballet simply spreads good humour even in its rather restrained and straightforward way. Måns Herngren's staging is charming and restrained at the right moments. Of course, the synchronized swimming performances and the sometimes not always easy training are the humorous highlights of the film. But also outside the pool the film has many an entertaining, moving or funny moment to offer, so that in the end a very harmonious, likeable overall picture that leaves the audience with a smile on their face.
You could now accuse the film of being a little too well-behaved, too little biting and too pleasing to do justice to the inherently dramatic subject matter. But on the other hand this is also the great strength of the movie. Although it deals with a lot of topics that might cause depression in real life, "Men in Water" conveys a very positive attitude towards life. And it achieves this through a certain naivety, its endearing charm and the nice, albeit unexciting story. Those expecting socially critical art house cinema will certainly be disappointed. But if you are looking for light feel-good cinema with a certain closeness to life, you should definitely get into the water with these men. Worth Seeing
Ein Artikel von Frankfurt-Tipp
