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Poster for Mostly Martha

Mostly Martha

Seen it?

2001 | 106 min | Drama, Comedy, Romance

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Julie & Julia or Marty, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Funny with heart, romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 46 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Martha is a single woman who lives for one passion: cooking. The head chef at a chic restaurant, Martha has no time for anything - or anyone - else. But Martha's solitary life is shaken when a fateful accident brings her sister's eight-year-old daughter, Lina, to her doorstep.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.7 out of 10

  • AwardsWeak

    1 win and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $6 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 18K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Sandra Nettelbeck

  • Martina GedeckMartha Klein
  • Maxime FoersteLina Klein
  • Sergio CastellittoMario
  • August ZirnerMartha´s Therapist
  • Ulrich ThomsenSam Thalberg
  • Sibylle CanonicaFrida
  • Katja StudtLea
  • İdil ÜnerBernadette
  • Oliver BroumisJan
  • Antonio WannekCarlos