Two young men, Martin and Rudi, both suffering from terminal cancer, get to know each other in a hospital room. They drown their desperation in tequila and decide to take one last trip to the sea. Drunk and still in pajamas they steal the first fancy car they find, a 60's Mercedes convertible. The car happens to belong to a bunch of gangsters, which immediately start to chase it, since it contains more than the pistol Martin finds in the glove box.
"Knockin' on Heaven's Door" is a German tragicomedy film directed by Thomas Jahn, released in 1997. Written by Jahn and Til Schweiger, this bittersweet road movie blends humor, heartbreak, and a touch of absurdity, following two terminally ill men on a defiant final adventure. The story begins in a hospital room where Martin (Til Schweiger) and Rudi (Jan Josef Liefers), both diagnosed with terminal cancer, meet and bond over their grim fates. Fueled by tequila and a shared longing to see the sea before they die—a dream sparked by a casual chat—they break out in their pajamas. In a spontaneous act of rebellion, they steal a sleek 1960s Mercedes convertible, only to discover it belongs to gangsters and holds a stash of cash and a gun. As mobsters give chase, the duo’s reckless journey becomes a chaotic odyssey of car chases, quirky encounters, and fleeting moments of freedom. Celebrated for its sharp wit, emotional resonance, and a iconic soundtrack featuring Bob Dylan’s titular song, "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" balances dark comedy with tender humanity. Schweiger and Liefers deliver standout performances, supported by a quirky ensemble including Moritz Bleibtreu as a hapless thug. Released in 1997, the film became a sleeper hit in Germany, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards, including the German Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. A cult classic, it’s cherished for its irreverent spirit and poignant reminder to seize life’s fleeting joys.
Year1997
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GenresComedyCrime
Production countriesGermany
