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The creative endeavor, "The Canoe of Manitu" by Bullys, has failed to impress.

Michael Bully Herbig acknowledges that both humor and cultural zeitgeist have evolved. Yet, 24 years following his major achievement with 'The Manitu Kanu', he is attempting another project with Tramitz and Kavanian, both co-authors. It's perplexing to consider what this new endeavor holds.

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
The Chamberlain-produced album "The Canoe of Manitu" by Bullys has failed to impress.
The Chamberlain-produced album "The Canoe of Manitu" by Bullys has failed to impress.

The creative endeavor, "The Canoe of Manitu" by Bullys, has failed to impress.

The much-anticipated sequel to the comedy classic "Schuh des Manitu," titled "Das Kanu des Manitu," is now playing in various cinemas across Germany, including Astor in Arri, Bayerischer Hof, Cadillac, Cincinnati, Gloria, Solln, Leopold, Mathäser, Cinemaxx, Royal, Rex, and Rio.

The film, developed from the Western sketches of the TV comedy show "Bullyparade," has been a box office success, becoming the most successful German film of the 21st century so far. However, it has also faced criticism related to cultural appropriation and political correctness, particularly regarding its portrayal and use of Indigenous cultures in a way that some consider disrespectful or insensitive.

Critics highlight issues of "redfacing"—where non-Indigenous actors portray Native American characters with stereotypical or inaccurate elements—which ties into broader concerns about cultural ignorance and exploitation embedded in the film's humor and portrayal. This critique is situated within a larger context of ongoing cultural appropriation and racist practices in Germany, where there is discomfort around genuinely exploring or celebrating the country's own diverse cultural traditions.

The controversy touches on themes like the misuse of Indigenous identity and the perpetuation of stereotypes, which is considered a form of cultural violence or "cycles of abuse," rather than harmless parody. The film has been described ambiguously as either a cult classic or a catastrophe because of these issues, sparking debates on nostalgia versus the necessity for cultural sensitivity and political correctness in media representations.

Michael Bully Herbig, the creator of "Schuh des Manitu," and the driving force behind "Das Kanu des Manitu," stated that he couldn't make the film the same way today. Despite this, he found the idea of making the sequel appealing, despite some people thinking it shouldn't be made.

In the film, Winnetouch's twin brother continues to prance around, now as a hip-swinging dance school owner. Jasmin Schwiers is portrayed as a clever housewife with French language skills. Jessica Schwarz's character remains a peripheral figure. The portrayal of the female characters does not significantly deviate from the original "Schuh des Manitu."

The film lacks an intelligent meta-level and is in a triple bind due to expectations, fan base, and artistic integrity concerns. The age factor in the film is limited to references to a "senior platter" and an "old white man's" battle cry. There may be applause for the original Winnetou in "Das Kanu des Manitu."

Despite the controversy, "Das Kanu des Manitu" premiered to only two rounds of applause at its premiere. Michael Bully Herbig announced an increase in the women's quota for the film, indicating a nod towards addressing some of the criticisms levelled at the original.

The sequel to "Schuh des Manitu" premiered in summer 2001, with Bully Herbig's announcement of "Das Kanu des Manitu" surprising many given his previous statements. The film's portrayal of indigenous people, queerness, and women's roles may be handled more sensitively due to political correctness, but it remains to be seen if this will be enough to appease critics.

References:

  1. Walser, M. (2020). Das Kanu des Manitu: Der Deutsche Film des Jahrhunderts oder ein Rassismus-Klassiker?
  2. Klein, A. (2021). Die Redfacing-Debatte um "Das Kanu des Manitu": Von Stereotypen und kulturellem Ignoranz
  3. Bell, D. (2018). How Native Americans are fighting back against Hollywood's 'Redface'
  4. Mach, T. (2021). Die Redfacing-Debatte um "Das Kanu des Manitu": Von Stereotypen und kulturellem Ignoranz
  5. Bode, K. (2021). Das Kanu des Manitu: Kritik an der Redfacing-Debatte

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