David Dietl's 'Ein Münchner im Himmel' avoids kitsch with strong cast

Director David Dietl has updated Ludwig Thoma's 115-year-old satire 'Ein Münchner im Himmel', transforming the grumpy Munich archetype into a carefree character reminiscent of 'Monaco Franze'. The film stars Maximilian Brückner as taxi driver Wiggerl, who dies in a car accident but is sent back to Earth to reconnect with his daughter Toni (Momo Beier) and ex-partner Kathi (Hannah Herzsprung). The plot avoids sentimentality thanks to a strong ensemble including Michaela May, Heiner Lauterbach, comedians Simon Pearce and Maxi Schafroth, and cabaret artist Sigi Zimmerschied. Ina Müller makes a cameo as a goddess. The film navigates the afterlife premise without falling into kitsch.