Movies by Michael Herbig

Michael "Bully" Herbig has carved out a singular niche in German comedy cinema, delivering a hilariously off-kilter, gleefully subversive vision that upends expectations at every turn. As both a director and actor, Herbig brings a delightfully anarchic sensibility to his films, blending raucous slapstick with a sly, self-aware humor that pokes fun at genre tropes and societal conventions. Herbig first burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with cult classics like the sci-fi spoof (T)Raumschiff Surprise - Periode 1 and the buddy comedy Erkan & Stefan, establishing a trademark style that combines the sublime and the ridiculous. He has continued to push the boundaries of German comedy with films like the historical adventure Wickie the Mighty Viking and the daring dramatic thriller Balloon, showcasing a remarkable versatility and a willingness to experiment across genres. Herbig's work is characterized by a fondness for the absurd, a keen eye for visual gags, and a delight in subverting audience expectations. Whether he's tackling larger-than-life historical figures or navigating the complexities of modern relationships, his films consistently surprise and delight, offering a fresh and unapologetically irreverent perspective on the human experience. As a filmmaker, Herbig has cemented his status as a singular and indispensable voice in the world of German cinema.