Die Grünstein-Variante
Seen it?1985 | 105 min | Drama
Monday Morning Maybeearly ratingWhy it’s a Monday Morning Maybe
With a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz, this one could be a tough watch. Keep your phone handy.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Bronson, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 45 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
The plot revolves around three men waiting to be deported in a prison. To escape the monotony, they form chess pieces from their bread rations, with which they then play against each other. Grünstein, a Polish Jew, proves to be a real talent, because although he is a beginner, he manages to defeat even the experienced player Lodeck, a German sailor, with his "Grünstein Variant".
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerWeak
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
Not enough engagement data yet
More like this
Bronson
Saturday SpecialAnother prison drama, and a Saturday Special.
Nowhere to Run
Weeknight WatchAnother prison drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Brute Force
Sunday Safe BetAnother prison drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Queen of Katwe
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
The Brutalist Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Bernhard Wicki
- Klaus SchwarzkopfGrieche
- Fred DürenGrünstein
- Rolf HoppeGefängnisdirektor
- Jörg GudzuhnLodek
- Arno WyzniewskiKaminski
- Rolf LudwigGarstecki
- Willi SchradeWärter
- Hubert GleissnerWärter