Maikäfer flieg Poster

Maikäfer flieg 2016

★ 6.314 votes109 min📅 2016-02-11

Maikäfer flieg (2016) dives into the final days of World War II through the eyes of a young girl in Vienna, blending historical gravity with personal discovery.

Director: Mirjam Unger

Cast

Ursula Strauss
Ursula Strauss
Mutter
Lissy Pernthaler
Lissy Pernthaler
Ludmilla
Zita Gaier
Zita Gaier
Christine
Krista Stadler
Krista Stadler
Großmutter
Konstantin Khabenskiy
Konstantin Khabenskiy
Cohn
Hilde Dalik
Hilde Dalik
Erzengel
Peter Schorn
Peter Schorn
Großer Russe
Gerald Votava
Gerald Votava
Vater
Paula Brunner
Schwester
Heinz Marecek
Heinz Marecek
Großvater

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maikäfer flieg (2016) about?

This drama portrays a young girl navigating the collapse of Nazi Germany in 1945 Vienna, where her family's survival hinges on uneasy alliances with Soviet soldiers. Through her eyes, the film examines the personal toll of war and the fragile bonds that emerge in its shadow.

Who directed Maikäfer flieg?

Mirjam Unger helms this adaptation, bringing a delicate balance of historical weight and intimate character study to the screen.

Who stars in Maikäfer flieg?

The film features Ursula Strauss as the mother, Lissy Pernthaler as the daughter, with Zita Gaier, Krista Stadler, and Konstantin Khabenskiy rounding out the key cast.

Is Maikäfer flieg (2016) worth watching?

As an unrated drama grounded in historical authenticity and emotional depth, it's a compelling watch for fans of introspective wartime narratives. While not a blockbuster, its themes of resilience and family resonate strongly.

How long is Maikäfer flieg?

The film runs for 109 minutes, offering a tightly paced exploration of its themes.

🎥 Trailer

About Maikäfer flieg (2016) — A Vienna childhood torn apart by WWII's final days

Maikäfer flieg (2016) dives into the final days of World War II through the eyes of a young girl in Vienna, blending historical gravity with personal discovery. Directed by Mirjam Unger, this Austrian drama unfolds as the city collapses under Allied pressure, forcing a family to confront fractured loyalties and the chaos of surrender. At its heart is the bond between a resilient mother (Ursula Strauss), her daughter (Lissy Pernthaler), and a mysterious Soviet soldier (Konstantin Khabenskiy), whose presence disrupts their fragile survival. Based on Christine Nöstlinger's novel, the film captures the raw tension of a society unraveling, where the line between enemy and ally blurs in the face of survival.

The atmosphere is stark but intimate, with Unger's direction emphasizing the emotional weight of everyday choices amid cataclysmic events. The story leans into themes of resilience and the innocence shattered by war, framed by the metaphor of mayflies—ephemeral creatures whose short lives mirror the fleeting but pivotal moments of history. With understated performances from its ensemble cast, Maikäfer flieg (2016) offers a poignant reflection on how war reshapes families and the quiet heroism found in ordinary people.