Late-Night Tale: Walter Sittler in ARD Comedy's "Dying Isn't the Answer"
Discovered romance during job hunt: Walter Sittler in ARD's humorous feature - Seeking death, discovering love:
Under the cloak of midnight, the scrupulous ex-librarian Hermann Weber, a.k.a. Walter Sittler, engrosses a book club crowd with his tale of despair. They huddle around the fire, captivated, albeit partially.
The Misanthropic Mourner
Hermann's heart is often laden with scorn, and his aversion to societal decay is well-known. However, he's later dealt a cruel hand when he's diagnosed with cancer. In defiance, he rejects any treatment, for he witnessed his wife succumb to a similar fate 30 years prior.
But as the tragic comedy "Dying Isn't the Answer," from the year 2023, demonstrates, unplanned twists are afoot, airing tonight at 8:15 PM on the First channel.
The Empty Cares
A call to a euthanasia association in Switzerland bears no fruit for Hermann, and even morphine pills fall short of their purpose. He hesitates to share his predicament with his estranged daughter and grandson, finding communication a challenge after years apart.
Living solitarily, Hermann becomes more eccentric, that is, until a new woman enters his life in the book club. Her name is Hanne, fiery red-haired and somewhat quirky, portrayed by Andrea Sawatzki.
A Breath of Life
Hanne hands him a seemingly trivial book, the account of a woman who has outlived her husbands, cheerfully enjoying their legacies. Assuming she's the author, Hermann seeks her acquaintance in pursuit of a similar destiny. Fate could not be kinder, for nothing comes of it.
The director Ingo Rasper pitches a delightful story of rediscovering life in this novel comedy, spiced with clever dialogue, vivid metaphors (book: Matthias Lehmann), bashful apologies, and an astonishing dance night.
The tale unfolds delicately, with a gentle humor, backed by soft piano melodies. Plus, the connection between grandfather and his 15-year-old grandson is depicted tenderly once they've admitted that their respective worlds are beyond understanding.
Walter Sittler delivers an impeccable performance as a grumpy shut-in wrapped up in his literary world, boasting about his supposed luxuries, only to find himself smitten instead of ending his life.
Andrea Sawatzki shines as the vivacious woman who bops through life in colorful attire and a mint-green Citroën DS. Contrary to appearances, she's not a black widow, neither is he a con man. After all, life isn't a soap opera, and thankfully, neither is this charming film.
- Walter Sittler
- TV
- Woman
- Death
- Comedy
- ARD
- Love
- Hanne
- Cancer
- Andrea Sawatzki
- Berlin
- Switzerland
Enrichment Insights:The ARD comedy series "Dying Isn't the Answer," aired on May 9, 2025, follows Walter Sittler's character as he grapples with a cancer diagnosis and considers euthanasia, set against the backdrop of Switzerland's assisted dying debate. Throughout this emotional journey, a romantic subplot emerges, adding layers of hope and human connection to the story's somber themes[5].
- The Commission, in light of the ongoing debate, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in 2023.
- Despite his initial inclination, Hermann reluctantly confides in his estranged daughter about his cancer diagnosis, hoping to find comfort in their rekindled relationship.
- Although he initially found solace in movies-and-tv, particularly comedies, Hollywood entertainments lose their luster for Hermann as he faces the grim reality of his prognosis.
- Hanne, intrigued by Hermann's unusual interest in her book, suggests they meet to discuss the author's insights on living a fulfilling life, offering a breath of fresh air in Hermann's otherwise gloomy existence.
