That stupid heart
The unusual friendship celebrates its free TV premiere
Elyas M'Barek as Lenny and Philip Noah Schwarz as David in "This Stupid Heart"
© 2017 Constantin Film Verleih GmbH / Jürgen Olczyk
"This stupid heart" celebrates its free TV premiere on January 3rd. It shows Elyas M'Barek from a slightly different side.
Elyas M'Barek (38) was very busy in 2017: after "Fack ju Göhte 3" in October and "Paddington 2" in November, he was also in German cinemas in "This stupid heart" from December 21st see. The story is touching because it is based on a true story and the viewer ponders. In addition, the now 38-year-old M'Barek shows a slightly different facet of his acting skills. Just in time for the New Year, on January 3, 2021, the story of an unusual friendship will celebrate its free TV premiere on Sat.1 (from 8:15 p.m.).
A slightly different story
Lenny (Elyas M'Barek) finds that partying every night, accidentally sinking an Audi R8 into the pool at home. He lives in his father's villa (Uwe Preuss), squanders his father's money and doesn't worry about his future. Until his father has enough and he turns the money off. The heart specialist forces Lenny to take care of 15-year-old David (Philip Noah Schwarz), who has a heart condition and may not see his 16th birthday. David mainly knows operating theaters, Lenny is considered a bon vivant. These completely different worlds now collide …
A slightly different Elyas M'Barek
Anyone who thinks "This stupid heart" is oozing kitsch and clichés is wrong. The tragicomedy is relatively unsentimental and yet shows depth – and wit. The film manages that thanks to the pairing Elyas M'Barek and Philip Noah Schwarz, who make a wonderfully unequal pair. For the young actor it was the first big role, for M'Barek a slightly different part compared to his other films.
Since the success of "Fack ju Göhte" all of Germany has been adoring him as the prolling teacher Zeki Müller. His character Lenny in "This stupid heart" first of all goes for thick pants. Lenny loves nightlife, parties, picking up women, and doesn't say no to alcohol and other mood-enhancers. When he is supposed to take care of David, his indifferent facade begins to crumble. This sensitive side of Elyas M'Barek should go to the hearts of his fans. In contrast to the "Fack ju Göhte" films, he doesn't drop his covers once – that suits him too. Because the native of Munich can do more than knock on brisk sayings and show his well-trained body in front of the camera.
Philip Noah Schwarz plays the heart-sick teenager with disarming honesty and offers Lenny quite a contraindication. An unconventional friendship develops in which both sides learn from each other and grow together. You are excited about the characters and hope that there will be a happy ending.
The duo is reinforced by some supporting actors. Especially with David's mother Betty you suffer with: She does everything to keep her son alive, even if that means that she is often blamed for the buck. A tightrope walk. It is played by Nadine Wrietz (45, "The Teacher"), who skillfully presents this inner conflict. Despite the serious subject, there is a lot to laugh about – situation comedy and puns take care of that.
Conclusion
"That stupid heart" is a must for all fans of Elyas M'Barek. A film about an unusual friendship, the finiteness of life and what really matters: health. Surprisingly honest, touching and without kitsch.