Watch Small World

Small World is a German comedy film from 1973 that revolves around a group of individuals who are brought together on a 24-hour journey on a bus. The film focuses on the various interactions between the characters, their personalities, and experiences. The movie's central character is Alois Voglhuber, played by Gustl Bayrhammer, who is the bus driver. We meet Alois as he prepares for the journey, and he appears to be a content and straightforward man. However, this perception changes as the journey progresses, and Alois's personality becomes more apparent. He reveals himself to be anxious, reactionary, and in some regards, a bit of a control freak.

As the film begins, other passengers board the bus, and their unique personalities are introduced. There is a middle-aged couple, Fritz and Else, who are on their way to celebrate their anniversary. Fritz is a businessman and is happy to be away from work, while Else is loyal and more relaxed as she revels in their love.

Next, we have two younger couples, Huber and Berta and Helen and Paul, who use the journey to rekindle their relationships. They all have their own problems, which are brought to light throughout the film. Huber is suspicious of his wife and even goes so far as to search her bag for evidence of an affair, resulting in a hilarious scene. Meanwhile, Paul is trying to woo his demanding girlfriend Helen, and his attempts are less than successful.

The passengers also include an elderly woman, Frau Sandt, who is on her way to visit her son's grave. She spends the journey speaking to her son's photo and eventually strikes up a conversation with Alois, and the two form a bond.

Throughout the journey, various character interactions and conflicts arise. The contrasting personalities provide the comedic element of the film. Alois begins to act out of character, controlling the temperature on the bus, and forcing the passengers to partake in sing-alongs. He's also paranoid about one of the passengers, a young hippie hitchhiker called Roland, who he thinks is causing trouble as he travels with a guitar and a sleeping bag. Due to Alois's actions, the tension between him and the passengers keeps building.

Small World is unique in the sense that it's a character-driven film rather than a plot-driven one. While the story is set on a bus journey, it's the personalities and interactions that keep the film entertaining. Still, the departure from traditional narrative does mean the film could be seen as a slow burner, but this is forgiven when the cast is so charming.

The setting is also significant in that it unites the characters and the audience - we all find ourselves on this journey together. Small World emphasizes the importance of human connection, even with strangers, which is highlighted at the end of the film when Alois and Frau Sandt share a touching moment.

The performances from the cast are solid all around. Gustl Bayrhammer is excellent as Alois, delivering a nuanced and memorable performance. Similarly, Katharina de Bruyn's portrayal of Frau Sandt serves to encapsulate the themes of the film, and the supporting cast does a great job in their roles.

Director Fritz Umgelter does an excellent job of maintaining a delicate balance between the comedic and dramatic tone of the film. As the various characters are introduced, he is careful to ensure that we understand their personalities and backstories. The setting of the bus journey is also seen as a metaphor for life itself, where the different passengers come from different backgrounds and have to co-exist for a while.

In conclusion, Small World is a charming German film that provides an emotional and humorous exploration of human relationships. While it may not necessarily be appropriate for action film enthusiasts, it is one worth watching for those who enjoy character-driven stories. The film explores the idea of what it means to be human, and that making connections, no matter how seemingly insignificant can be life-changing. Overall, Small World provides laughs and affection which will be a great addition to any viewers' collections.