On the Move Poster

On the Move 1978

★ 6.710 votes97 min📅 1978-11-09

In Adolf Winkelmann's 1978 comedy gem *On the Move*, three unemployed friends—Atze, Lutz, and Sulli—navigate the frustrations of aimless days in a grimy backyard, their frustration growing as society dismisses them as deadweight.

Director: Adolf Winkelmann

Cast

Detlev Quandt
Atze
Tana Schanzara
Tana Schanzara
Mutter von Lutz
Hermann Lause
Hermann Lause
Hermann
Anastasios Avgeris
Sulli
Beate Brockstedt
Svea
Ludger Schnieder
Lutz
Betti Eiermann
Emils Frau
Otto Schnelling
Emil

Frequently Asked Questions

What is On the Move (1978) about?

The film follows three unemployed friends—Atze, Lutz, and Sulli—as they grapple with societal rejection and mounting boredom in a run-down backyard. Their frustration leads them to a desperate act that challenges their stagnant lives and forces them to confront the harsh realities of unemployment.

Who directed On the Move?

The film was directed by Adolf Winkelmann, known for his work in German social realism and character-driven storytelling.

Who stars in On the Move?

The main cast includes Detlev Quandt as Atze, Tana Schanzara, and Hermann Lause.

Is On the Move (1978) worth watching?

As an unrated comedy-drama from 1978, it offers a raw, authentic look at unemployment and camaraderie, though its niche appeal may limit wider recognition. Fans of German New Wave cinema or offbeat character studies will find it compelling.

How long is On the Move?

The runtime is 97 minutes, or roughly 1 hour and 37 minutes.

About On the Move (1978) — A gritty comedy about unemployment and the desperation it breeds

In Adolf Winkelmann's 1978 comedy gem *On the Move*, three unemployed friends—Atze, Lutz, and Sulli—navigate the frustrations of aimless days in a grimy backyard, their frustration growing as society dismisses them as deadweight. Atze, once a skilled factory worker, now faces mockery from ex-colleagues, while Lutz, fresh out of an apprenticeship, finds doors slammed in his face despite his qualifications. Sulli, the Greek outsider, faces even greater barriers, his dreams of work shattered by prejudice. The trio's boredom turns into desperation, pushing them toward a reckless act that could either spell disaster or shake up their dead-end lives.

Winkelmann crafts a raw, character-driven story about stagnation and rebellion, where the weight of societal expectations clashes with the boredom of inactivity. The film's gritty humor and relatable struggles paint a vivid portrait of post-industrial malaise, making *On the Move (1978)* a cult classic for fans of German social realism and offbeat comedies.