Manitou’s Shoe (2001) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Manitou’s Shoe (original title: Der Schuh des Manitu) is a 2001 German comedy directed by Michael Herbig, who also stars in the film. A spoof of the Western genre, the movie is packed with slapstick humor, absurd characters, and hilarious parodies of Western tropes. The film was a massive box office success in Germany, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in the country at the time. It blends clever satire with goofy comedy, making it a cult favorite among fans of light-hearted parodies.
In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, humor, performances, and cultural impact. We’ll also guide you on where to stream or rent Manitou’s Shoe online, especially in the U.S.
Plot Overview: A Wild West Adventure with a Comedic Twist
Manitou’s Shoe follows the adventures of Ranger (Michael Herbig) and his Native American blood brother Abahachi (Christian Tramitz), who get into trouble after taking out a loan from the Shoshone tribe to buy a saloon. Things go wrong when the duo accidentally buys a rundown brothel instead of a saloon, leading to the death of the Shoshone chief’s son.
Key plot points include:
- Ranger and Abahachi’s Quest: To make amends, Ranger and Abahachi embark on a quest to recover treasure hidden in Manitou’s shoe. Along the way, they must avoid their enemies, including the vengeful Shoshone tribe, and the villainous Santa Maria (Sky du Mont), who also wants the treasure for himself.
- Supporting Characters: The duo is joined by several quirky characters, including Abahachi’s gay twin brother Winnetouch (a nod to Karl May’s famous Winnetou novels), and the saloon singer Uschi (Marie Bäumer), who adds to the chaotic fun.
- Parody of the Western Genre: The film pokes fun at classic Western tropes, including the heroic cowboy, noble Native Americans, and epic showdowns. It takes direct inspiration from the popular German “Winnetou” movies of the 1960s, which were based on Karl May’s novels and had a significant cultural impact in Germany.
- Slapstick and Absurdity: Much of the humor comes from slapstick gags, absurd situations, and anachronisms that make fun of the overly serious tone of Westerns. From misadventures in the desert to wild chases, Manitou’s Shoe is packed with ridiculous moments that keep the laughs coming.
Performances: Michael Herbig’s Comedic Charm
Michael Herbig not only directs the film but also stars as Ranger, delivering a performance that is both charming and goofy. His deadpan reactions to the absurdity around him are perfectly timed, making his character a loveable hero despite his incompetence.
Christian Tramitz shines as Abahachi, the comedic version of the noble Native American hero archetype. His exaggerated stoicism and cultural references to the Winnetou films add another layer of parody to the film.
Sky du Mont plays the villain Santa Maria with exaggerated seriousness, creating a delightful contrast to the film’s silliness. His character’s over-the-top nature makes him a hilarious foil to the bumbling heroes.
Marie Bäumer and Rick Kavanian (as Winnetouch) round out the supporting cast, with Kavanian’s portrayal of Abahachi’s flamboyant twin brother being a comedic highlight.
Humor and Style: Parody at Its Best
Manitou’s Shoe is a full-blown parody of classic Westerns, specifically referencing the Winnetou series that was wildly popular in Germany. The humor is a mix of slapstick, visual gags, wordplay, and absurd situations.
The film doesn’t just make fun of Western tropes; it also pokes fun at contemporary German culture, with plenty of in-jokes and references that German audiences found particularly funny. However, even without the cultural context, much of the humor is universal, relying on physical comedy and silly antics.
The film’s style includes exaggerated action sequences, deliberately corny special effects, and colorful costumes that emphasize the ridiculousness of the plot. Its satirical nature is reminiscent of films like Blazing Saddles (1974), but with a distinctly European twist.
Legacy: A Cultural Phenomenon in Germany
Manitou’s Shoe became a cultural phenomenon in Germany, breaking box office records and becoming one of the most successful German films ever made. The film’s blend of silly humor and Western nostalgia resonated with audiences, making it a beloved comedy that’s still fondly remembered today.
While it’s less well-known outside of Germany, the film’s playful tone and timeless parody of the Western genre have given it a cult following internationally, especially among fans of offbeat comedies.
Where to Watch Manitou’s Shoe (2001) Online
For those looking to stream or rent Manitou’s Shoe in the U.S., options may be limited due to the film’s primary release being in German-speaking regions. However, it can be accessed via certain platforms:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video: Manitou’s Shoe is sometimes available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, depending on regional availability. It may also be listed under its original title, Der Schuh des Manitu.
- German Streaming Platforms: In German-speaking countries, services like Maxdome and Joyn may offer the film for streaming.
Rental and Purchase Options
If the film is not available for streaming, you can find it for rent or purchase on several digital platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video (Rent/Buy): In addition to streaming, the movie is often available for digital rental or purchase on Amazon.
- YouTube Movies: You may find the film available for rent or purchase on YouTube, though it could be limited to certain regions.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Google Play often carries international films for rent or purchase, so it’s worth checking if Manitou’s Shoe is listed.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch for Comedy Fans
Manitou’s Shoe (2001) is a hilarious and clever parody of the Western genre that delivers non-stop laughs. With its mix of slapstick, satire, and absurd characters, the film stands out as one of the most successful comedies in German cinema. Michael Herbig’s direction and performance elevate the film from a simple spoof to a beloved classic.
Though its availability for streaming in the U.S. may be limited, fans of parody and international comedies should seek it out, whether through rental or purchase options. For those who appreciate films like Blazing Saddles or Hot Shots!, Manitou’s Shoe offers a unique and uproarious take on the Western genre.
