Mario

If you are a fan of sports and LGBT-themed films, and also enjoy films in German, then Mario will be a hit. I'm not a sports fan by any stretch of the imagination, but from time to time I do look out for a film about the 4% and as a Germanist I enjoyed the little excursion into Schwizerdütsch. The theme, homosexuality in professional sports, is undoubtedly topical and sensitive, and the film presents it in a modest but all the more endearing and authentic way. Mario, the protagonist, has to cope with the pressure from society and the football team on the one hand, and on the other hand with his life, which was mapped out for him by his father, and the sudden appearance of Leon is both the light at the end of the tunnel and a stumbling block. Story-wise, I liked the film – even though some users have decried the lack of emotion in the dialogue – but I especially have to appreciate the ending, which, while it stung, was really on point. A pleasant and at the same time strong surprise from a Swiss production, which may have a couple of issues, but I was still very impressed and I stand by my full rating. (01/14/2019)