Review of Barefoot (2005) by Melissa C — 01 Oct 2009

"Barfuss" is probably the most genuine and touching Romantic Comedies that I have ever seen.

Till Schweiger's direction is understated and unobtrusive, just the right touch for this genre of film. His portrayal of Nick Keller is perfect. Nick has chronic trouble holding onto any consistent line of employment. With the exception of his Mother, he dislikes his family and they dislike him. A bit of a crook, a bit of a con-man, but at the end of the day a likeable and honourable man.

Johanna Wokalek's beautiful performance of Leila, a post traumatic disorder effected, but naive and innocent, young woman is something to behold. The film's title, "Barfuss" derives from the fact that Leila dislikes wearing shoes of any kind and walks around barefoot. Nick saves her from hanging herself and she instantly attatches herself emotionally to him. In her mind, she is his girlfriend and she behaves as such. Her naivete and innocent honesty, I think, is what wins over Nick's world-weary and cynical heart and what starts off as him protecting her becomes true love.

While using the formula of your typical Romantic Comedy, "Barfuss" is anything but. I challenge anyone, male or female, not to have a tear in one's eye at the end of the film.

Simply brilliant!