Magical Mystery or: The Return of Karl Schmidt

Magical Mystery or: The Return of Karl Schmidt

Directed by Arne Feldhusen

Produced by DCM Pictures, ARD

2017111 min6.1 / 10

A comedic road-movie about a recovering burnout finding redemption and autonomy through an unlikely journey with Berlin's techno scene.

Under the auspicious name "Magical Mystery" the Berlin techno label BummBumm Records wants to go on a rave tour. Karl Schmidt aka Charly himself was once an aspiring artist on the scene, until he retired after a nervous breakdown five years ago. Since then he lives in a supervised withdrawal WG in Hamburg. Now, as a driver and custodian for the party-loving DJs and their producers, he becomes part of "Magical Mystery", trying to lead a self-determined life after years of patronizing and well-intentioned advice.

Questions people ask

  • Is Magical Mystery or: The Return of Karl Schmidt violent? Barely. Less violent than 86% of films.

  • Is Magical Mystery or: The Return of Karl Schmidt easy watching? Somewhat. More comforting than 67% of films.

  • Is Magical Mystery or: The Return of Karl Schmidt scary? Not especially. Less frightening than 65% of films.

  • Does Magical Mystery or: The Return of Karl Schmidt end with hope? Somewhat. More hopeful than 65% of films.

  • Is Magical Mystery or: The Return of Karl Schmidt sad? Somewhat. More sad than 61% of films.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

31/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

You have seen this shape before.

Rarity60

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise16

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love25

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Like Magical Mystery or: The Return of Karl Schmidt

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as Magical Mystery or: The Return of Karl Schmidt

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like Magical Mystery or: The Return of Karl Schmidt, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like Magical Mystery or: The Return of Karl Schmidt, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like Magical Mystery or: The Return of Karl Schmidt, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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