Axel der Held is a German comedy-drama that blends elements of fairy tales and Westerns to tell the story of Axel, a timid and daydreaming young man living in a small, economically struggling village. The villagers work during the day at a chicken farm and gamble away their earnings at night at the local casino, both owned by the wealthy and powerful Manne. Axel has accumulated significant gambling debts to Manne and is forced to work as a janitor in Manne’s villa, where he endures humiliation from Manne’s henchman, Eule. Despite his circumstances, Axel finds solace in his imagination, where he envisions himself as a hero capable of rescuing his childhood love, Jenny, who is now Manne’s girlfriend .
Axel’s life takes a turn when he befriends his eccentric neighbor, Heiner, a man who frequently quotes Karl May and converses with his pet chicken. Heiner becomes Axel’s confidant and partner in devising a plan to overthrow Manne’s oppressive rule. Together, they draw inspiration from Karl May’s adventure novels, adopting the personas of Western heroes to confront their adversaries and challenge the status quo .
The duo’s plan involves a series of bold and humorous actions aimed at dismantling Manne’s empire. Axel and Heiner’s friendship and shared sense of justice empower them to take risks they would not have considered alone. Their antics bring a sense of hope and rebellion to the oppressed villagers, who begin to rally behind them in their quest for freedom .
As Axel grows into his role as a leader and hero, he learns valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and self-worth. His relationship with Jenny also evolves, as she begins to see him not just as a dreamer but as someone capable of real change. The film portrays Axel’s transformation from a passive individual to an active participant in shaping his destiny .
In the film’s conclusion, Axel and Heiner’s efforts culminate in a final confrontation with Manne, leading to a resolution that reflects the themes of justice and personal growth. Axel der Held is a modern fairy tale for adults, using satire and humor to address issues of capitalism, societal oppression, and the power of friendship. The film’s unique blend of genres and its whimsical storytelling offer a fresh perspective on the classic hero’s journey .