"The Vessel of Manitu" - A Nostalgic Journey Filled with Humor and Strong Emotions
In the much-anticipated sequel to the cult classic "Der Schuh des Manitu," "Das Kanu des Manitu" delivers a fresh and entertaining take on the beloved partner comedy.
The film, directed by Michael Herbig, follows Abahachi (played by Herbig himself) and his white brother Ranger (Christian Tramitz) as they embark on their greatest adventure yet. This time, they are not just fighting for laughs, but for peace, justice, and the legendary "Canoe of Manitou."
While the original film focused on classic western parody adventures, "Das Kanu des Manitu" introduces a new gang antagonist, led by the charismatic Boss (Jessica Schwarz). The storyline is more complex, with emotional moments and a deeper message that resonates with audiences.
The film also sees the return of fan-favourite character Dimitri, played by Rick Kavanian. Kavanian takes on double duty, reprising his role as the Greek tavern owner and stepping into the shoes of the sheriff's deputy.
Winnetouch, played by Michael "Bully" Herbig, returns as an affected gay man, a character that has drawn criticism in the past. However, the character remains in the film, as he was considered essential to the story. Winnetouch owns a dance and fencing school in the film.
The film features a diverse cast, including Native American actors for authenticity. Unlike the original, which used Spanish extras for Native roles, "Das Kanu des Manitu" aims for accuracy and representation.
The story revolves around a canoe said to grant eternal life, leading our heroes on a wild journey filled with misunderstandings, slapstick comedy, and surprising life lessons. The film also pays homage to various films and TV shows, including Westerns based on Karl May novels, "Indiana Jones," Louis de Funès' films, and a children's movie.
However, some jokes and references may not have aged well compared to today's standards. The script development for the film took months, with adjustments made to make it relevant to current times.
The film is 88 minutes long, tightly packed with comedic and plot-driven scenes. Unfortunately, there is uncertainty about whether there will be a sequel to the film without the late oil prince Sky du Mont, who plays the villain in this instalment.
"Das Kanu des Manitu" is a nostalgic watch, marking the last appearance of du Mont in a film. The film includes dance numbers, songs, and one-liners that have the potential to become instant classics. One particularly emotional scene was shot in Santa Fe, featuring actors from several Native American tribes, including Alan Tafoya.
Ranger responds laconically to Abahachi's dream of growing old together, adding a touch of melancholy to the film. Despite this, "Das Kanu des Manitu" is a fun-filled adventure that will leave audiences laughing and reminiscing about the good old days.
After watching "Das Kanu des Manitu," fans can enjoy other movies-and-tv productions that offer similar entertainment. The film's emotional and complex storyline, combined with cultural representation, makes it a compelling addition to the genre.
