Isi & Ossi 2020
Directed by
Oliver Kienle
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
Isabelle “Isi” Voigt, portrayed by Lisa Vicari, is a young woman from a wealthy family in Heidelberg, boasting a staggering net worth of over $2 billion. In stark contrast, Oscar “Ossi” Markowski, played by Dennis Mojen, lives in a modest apartment in Mannheim with his single mother, Betty, a character brought to life by Lisa Hagmeister, who is struggling under the weight of EUR14,000 in debt. Despite her privileged life, Isi dreams of attending culinary school in New York to pursue her passion for cooking, enlightening the screens with her desire and ambition. After a complicated teenage experience where her mother, Claudia, played by Christina Hecke, fired the entire kitchen staff due to Isi’s interactions with them, she finds herself in a precarious academic situation, graduating after repeating high school twice with the lowest grades in the school’s long history.
Meanwhile, Ossi, who exhibits intelligence and curiosity, trains to become a professional boxer but often faces obstacles that hinder his training, forcing him to work at his mother’s gas station. His dreams to fight professionally clash with familial obligations and financial woes. When the sponsor for his upcoming match withdraws, leaving him in need of EUR8,000, the stakes rise dramatically. Isi, feeling constrained by her parents’ control over her finances, seeks a strategy to access her inheritance to fund her aspirations. This leads her to embark on a bold move to blackmail her parents by feigning a relationship with Ossi.
Their relationship, initially built on deceit, soon evolves as they discover common ground. Ossi’s best friend, Tschünni, portrayed by Walid Al-Atiyat, advises him while being hesitant about their scheme. Forcing the dynamics further, the two embrace their fabricated romance amidst awkward yet comedic encounters, including a disastrous first date interrupted by Isi’s parents. A particularly memorable scene occurs when they pick up Ossi’s grandfather, played by Ernst Stötzner, from prison, who aspires to become a rapper.
As their bond strengthens, Isi and Ossi navigate family pressures together. After some comedic ventures, including a viral rap performance by Ossi’s grandpa, they start to genuinely care for each other, igniting deeper emotions and shared ambitions. However, conflicts arise when Isi’s parents learn about the relationship, leading to more tension and misunderstandings. In a pivotal moment, Isi’s parents impose conditions that threaten to tear the couple apart, forcing them to reassess their relationship and financial motivations.
Weaving between comedy and emotional depths, both characters face the complexities of life, family, and dreams. The climax unfolds during Ossi’s first professional boxing match, where Isi, through her unwavering support, rekindles Ossi’s fighting spirit just when he needs it most. Ultimately, as they confront personal doubts and familial responsibilities, the story culminates in a heartfelt victory for Ossi, celebrated by both Isi and his family, emphasizing love, ambition, and the connection that transcends social divides.
Timeline
Introduction to Isi and Ossi
Isabelle 'Isi' Voigt is introduced as a privileged young woman from Heidelberg, with a net worth exceeding $2 billion. Meanwhile, Oscar 'Ossi' Markowski lives a starkly different life in Mannheim, struggling with financial difficulties alongside his single mother, Betty.
Isi's Culinary Dream
Despite her affluent background, Isi longs to attend culinary school in New York, showcasing her passion for cooking. This ambition drives her desire to break free from the constraints imposed by her wealthy family.
Isi's Academic Struggles
After a challenging teenage experience that leads to her graduation with the lowest grades in school history, Isi's path to culinary school seems uncertain. Her mother's decision to fire the kitchen staff highlights the pressures and conflicts in her life.
Ossi's Boxing Aspirations
Ossi trains to become a professional boxer while working at his mother's gas station to help with the family's financial struggles. His journey is filled with setbacks that challenge his dedication to boxing.
The Withdrawal of Sponsorship
When Ossi's sponsor withdraws just before a crucial match, he faces a financial burden, needing EUR8,000 to continue his pursuit of boxing. This situation adds significant pressure and urgency to his efforts.
Isi's Inheritance Scheme
Feeling restricted by her parents' control over her finances, Isi devises a plan to access her inheritance. She begins to manipulate her situation by feigning a relationship with Ossi, igniting a complicated scheme.
The Fake Romance Begins
As Ossi and Isi begin their fabricated relationship, they encounter humorous and awkward situations. Their initial interactions are rife with comedy, highlighting the absurdity of their deception amidst the challenges they face.
Picking Up Ossi's Grandpa
A memorable moment occurs when Isi and Ossi pick up Ossi's grandfather from prison, who aspires to be a rapper. This event adds a layer of humor and unpredictability to their chaotic lives.
Growing Emotions
As their relationship develops, Isi and Ossi discover shared dreams and values that strengthen their bond. They begin to genuinely care for each other, navigating the complexities of life together.
Family Pressures Surface
Conflicts arise when Isi's parents discover her relationship with Ossi, leading to increased tension and misunderstandings. The couple faces external pressures that challenge their connection and motivations.
Imposed Conditions
Isi's parents impose strict conditions regarding her relationship with Ossi, forcing them to reevaluate their feelings and financial motivations. This pivotal moment creates a rift that tests their commitment.
Ossi's First Boxing Match
The climax of the story unfolds during Ossi's debut professional boxing match, where he confronts his fears and self-doubt. Isi, supporting him from the sidelines, plays a crucial role in rekindling his fighting spirit.
Victory and Celebration
After an intense match, Ossi achieves a heartfelt victory, marking a significant turning point for both him and Isi. The celebration emphasizes the themes of love, ambition, and the overcoming of societal divides.
Reflections on Their Journey
Having navigated their challenges, Isi and Ossi reflect on their journey, recognizing the growth they’ve experienced together. Their relationship symbolizes the resilience of love amidst life's complexities.
Characters
Isabelle "Isi" Voigt
Isi comes from immense wealth yet feels trapped by her family's expectations. She is ambitious and determined, yearning to pursue her passion for cooking despite her modest academic performance. Isi's character arc reflects her journey towards independence and self-discovery.
Oscar "Ossi" Markowski
Ossi is a hard-working and intelligent young man striving for a better life through boxing. Despite facing significant challenges, he's driven by passion and loyalty towards his family, particularly his single mother. His journey showcases resilience and the fight for his dreams.
Betty Markowski
Betty is Ossi's single mother, who struggles with financial difficulties while trying to support her son’s boxing aspirations. Her love for Ossi is evident, yet she harbors worries about their economic situation, which adds depth to her character as a caring yet burdened parent.
Claudia Voigt
Claudia, Isi's mother, embodies the controlling yet caring aspects of affluent parenting. Her decision to dismiss the kitchen staff reflects her desire to shield her daughter but also sets the stage for Isi's rebellious spirit. She represents the pressures of high societal expectations.
Tschünni
Tschünni is Ossi's best friend and a voice of caution amid their scheme. His support for Ossi reflects loyalty, although he constantly worries about the ethical implications of their relationship. Tschünni's humorous and skeptical nature adds a comedic layer to the film.
Grandpa
Ossi's grandfather adds a layer of comic relief and unexpected talent to the story, aspiring to become a rapper despite his background. He brings warmth to the family dynamic and serves as a reminder of the generational struggles and dreams within the family.
Setting
Time period
The movie unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal themes such as class divide, family pressures, and the pursuit of dreams. It captures the struggles of today's youth, navigating personal aspirations despite external obstacles.
Location
Heidelberg, Mannheim
Heidelberg is a picturesque city known for its historic university and romantic landscape along the Neckar River. It's a place where wealth and tradition converge, symbolizing the privileged upbringing of Isi. In contrast, Mannheim is an industrial city characterized by its modest neighborhoods, representing Ossi's humble lifestyle and the challenges he faces.
Themes
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Love Across Divides
The relationship between Isi and Ossi highlights the theme of love transcending social and economic barriers. Initially driven by deception, their bond evolves into genuine affection as they face family challenges together. This theme showcases the importance of solidarity and understanding in overcoming life's hurdles.
🥊
Pursuit of Dreams
Both characters embody the pursuit of their dreams—Isi's ambition to become a chef and Ossi's goal of becoming a professional boxer. Their journeys illustrate the lengths one will go to escape financial restraints and the societal expectations imposed by their families. It emphasizes determination in the face of adversity.
😂
Comedy of Errors
The film is infused with comedic elements arising from misunderstandings and awkward situations, particularly in the early stages of Isi and Ossi's faux relationship. Their interactions provide moments of levity amidst serious themes, laughing in the face of their struggles.
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