Jim Knopf und Lukas der Lokomotivführer (1977– ) User Reviews

German classic

[tim-fahlbusch · 9/10 · 2 March 2016]

As mentioned by other reviewers, this is an absolute classic in Germany. The Augsburger Puppenkiste is famous for its puppetry and many of its productions have influenced children of several generations and still do so today. Jim Knopf und Lukas der Lokomotivführer is probably the most famous production from the Puppenkiste.

The story revolves around a little boy who, in a small package, was mistakenly sent to the small island of Lummerland. Lummerland only has a hand full of inhabitants and all of them are very original and memorable characters. Together with the island's train driver Lukas, the little boy Jim leaves the island in order to find out who he is and where he came from.

Even as an adult it is still very enjoyable to watch and if you already saw it as a child, many memories will come back to you. Even if you are not German, try to find it online and enjoy this piece of German television history.

The absolute classic from Augsburger Puppenkiste

[Sir Claudius · 10/10 · 28 September 2000]

If you are a kid from the 70´s, this is a must-see in Germany. Real fans move marionette-like and move their head around while speaking... When I see it on TV, I remember the good old child-times.

Watch it if you have the chance!

German classic. Must-watch for some childhood nostalgia.

[fsommer-00688 · 10/10 · 31 August 2022]

One of the greatest TV programs ever produced in Germany. Every child from the 70s through the 2000s has watched this. I've probably watched the series dozens of times now.

The writing is funny, deep and incredibly quotable. The puppet work is impeccable and the whole production has a very unique feel (as do all the Augsburger Puppenkiste productions). Perfect to watch with some weed if you want to laugh harder than you have in a long time. All the raving reviews are 100% right.

"...I don't understand a word...

...but an old man like me doesn't have to understand every word anymore."

"... und er hat sie demjenigen zur Frau versprochen, der sie befreit." "Oha!" "Frau...?!?" "...befreit...?!?" "Machen wir!!"

The Puppenkiste's most famous

[Horst_In_Translation · 6/10 · 3 August 2017]

"Jim Knopf und Lukas der Lokomotivführer" is a West German television show from 1977, so this one has its 40th anniversary right now in 2017. Actually it is a mini series with each of the four episodes running for under half an hour, which means the entire thing comes relatively close to two hours and can easily be watched in one sitting. The director here is Manfred Jenning, who died relatively young and that's probably what kept him from creating many other string puppet films, an approach to film that is mostly forgotten these days, but instead very frequent in children entertainment events. This one we have here is probably the defining work with that approach and I personally also prefer it over the equally famous Urmel. Anyway, this is not animation of course, even if it has voice actors who are all doing a good job by the way. But it is still mostly for children I would say. You definitely must have liked it as a child to enjoy it as an adult, but if you did, then chances are good it will stay with you forever. The stories and characters are really very innocent and harmless. The "evil" dragon's statement at the very end says it all really. It's good the way it is. The stories are fun and the characters are equally interesting. I personally found Jim slightly annoying on several occasions, but Lukas and his train make more than up for it. And what a journey it has been. From Lummerland through China to Kummerland, meeting giants, princesses, dragons, dragon-hippo hybrids and a lot more. The other two reviewers are right in calling this a classic as everybody here in Germany still knows the words "Augsburger Puppenkiste" and "Jim Knopf", even if they may not remember the exact plot. Go see it. Preferrably with your kids.