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English Titles T

Tough Enough

Original title: Knallhart
German title: Knallhart
Germany, 2006

Director: Buck, Fetlev
Production company: Boje Buck Produktion
Age recommendation: 12 years and up

Synopsis:
Fifteen-year-old Michael Polischka is thrown into the gritty urban world of a rough ethnic neighborhood, far from the posh suburbs he’s used to. Beatings and extortion by a gang of violent bullies makes public high school miserable for Michael. Life at home isn’t much better since he has to put up with the guys his pretty young mom entertains in her desperate search for a new man. Michael’s life turns around when urbane crime lord Hamal takes him under his wing. Michael’s honest face makes him the perfect guy for drug deliveries to local dealers. The teenager handles the tension of these dangerous missions like a pro. Michael proves he’s tough enough, but eventually finds out he’s actually in way over his head.

Comments:
“Set in a fragile and unstable world, that of adolescence, this film recounts the tragic destiny of Michael, wrenched from his peaceful world and thrown headlong into a world of drugs and dealers. First attacked, and then manipulated and exploited, Michael moves effortlessly from victim to bad guy, and from angel to demon with no qualms, leaving the viewer with a sense of powerlessness. A bitter and poignant observation, set at an energetic pace.” (Julien).

Festivals:
Berlin 2006, du grain à démoudre’ Film Festival 2006

World sales address/es:
Match Factory (DE)

Sold to:
DCM (DE)
Bundesverband Jugend und Film (DE)
Katholisches Filmwerk (DE)
Matthias-Film (D)