Friendship!

Tom, a young man from East Germany, resolves to find his father who disappeared years earlier after fleeing to America. He teams up with his best friend Veit, and the pair set out on a cross continental odyssey that begins in New York with no money and very little English. Along the way they cling to one word learned in language class: friendship. The quest takes them to San Francisco, where memories of the past collide with the hustle of the present, and every misstep becomes a lesson in trust and loyalty. The film follows their awkward but endearing attempts to bridge two cultures, turning a journey into a comic road trip. Tom must find his father; Veit steadies him.

Directed by Markus Goller, Friendship! is based on an original script by Oliver Ziegenbalg. This German comedy drama premiered around 2010 and follows two friends crossing the Atlantic in a spontaneous bold quest. Its framing emphasizes intimacy in small towns.

Critics note the film's buddy dynamic and light handling of homesickness, blending road comedy with moments of reflection. The story probes how far friendship can travel across borders, and how family ties pull characters toward their origins while offering new possibilities. The tone stays approachable and light for viewers today.

The film positions a German duo in an American setting and uses humor to illuminate cross cultural bonds. Their exchanges and miscommunications reveal a humane view of immigration and belonging, contributing to a broader trend of light hearted European comedies with global appeal. It invites viewers to reflect on belonging everywhere.

Box office data for this title is not widely reported, so reliable numbers are scarce. The film is mainly seen as a niche German release rather than a blockbuster. It has attracted festival audiences and regional theater exposure in Europe.