Is Am Ruder Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2017, Am Ruder represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Crime category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Michael Schröder is the owner of a fitness studio that is not running. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Crime are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Michael Schröder is the owner of a fitness studio that is not running. His marriage to the aristocratic and wealthy lawyer Elisabeth also only exists on paper. She lives out her love affair with lover Cornelius openly, but a divorce is unthinkable for Elisabeth for reasons of reputation. Because Michael is up to his neck financially, she gets him a loan. When he arrives at the bank, he is taken hostage during a robbery. The masked bank robber turns out to be a female bank robber. Nina seems aggressive, tired of life and unpredictable. The grueling wait for ransom money and a getaway car eventually turns hostage and hostage-taker into a fated couple. Michael even knows who they can demand more money from. But then everything gets out of hand."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Wotan Wilke Möhring does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Stephan Wagner is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its N/A minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Am Ruder truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Crime, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 3.8/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Am Ruder explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Stephan Wagner respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Am Ruder is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Wotan Wilke Möhring or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Am Ruder is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.