What a waste of my time!!!

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Now it may only be personal perception, but when I hear the German title "Ein Leben Lang Kurze Hosen Tragen", I think of a relatively light mix of drama and comedy, maybe a coming-of-age film. But this is none of that at all. My guess couldn't be any more wrong. This is a mix of drama and thriller with crime references from start to finish. It is the most known work by writer and director Kai S. Pieck who adapted Paul Moor's book here and also includes direct quotes by Jürgen Bartsch, who is also the protagonist in here. We hear him reflect on his crimes, partially fictitious, partially actual words from Bartsch. I think this is one of the rare occasions when the screenplay and writing is not a problem at all. It was pretty well done I must say and I also liked the ending for example. But I still did not enjoy the watch. This has mostly to do with lead actor Tobias Schenke because from start to finish of this relatively short 80-minute movie I had the impression that I was watching Schenke and not Bartsch. I may be a bit biased here as I never saw a great deal of talent in Schenke, but also he did not manage to win me over with great material, a truly baity character and a pretty good script. And the younger version of Bartsch (many flashbacks) isn't any better. He is played by Sebastian Urzendowsky and he is on the same, maybe even higher, level of overrated for me compared to Schenke. Such a shame, they did not cast more capable actors here as there was certainly the possibility to make this a pretty memorable movie. It is basically with the exception of the previously mentioned flashbacks a one-man show for Schenke and while he had some solid moments, he wasn't up to the challenge to carry this film all alone on his shoulders. Eventually "The Child I Never Was" (the English title) is a relatively similar movie like "Der Totmacher", but in that one Götz George showed everybody what a difference a strong lead performance makes in relation to the overall outcome of the film. So yeah, it's fine this film was made if it gets people to take a look at who Bartsch was and what he did, but from a mere cinematic perspective I cannot recommend this one. I suggest you watch a documentary on him instead or just read the book this is based on. I give this movie a thumbs-down. Not recommended.

In 1966 19-year old Jürgen Bartsch was arrested after an unsuccessful attempt to torture,kill and dismember a young boy.Between 1962 and 1966 Bartsch had killed 4 young boys aged 8 to 12.He estimated to have undertaken more than 100 further homicidal attempts.The method of actual murder was beating and strangulation.He dismembered most of the bodies,pricked out the eyes,decapitated the bodies and removed the genitals.He died in 1976 due to an error in the anaesthetic procedure during voluntary castration."The Child I Never Was" is a frighteningly realistic and pretty dark biography of this homosexual serial killer.The script is gripping,the acting is believable and the violence is more suggestive than graphic.9 out of 10.

Shocking as it may be – this movie shows a unique viewpoint of a boy/ young man- the storyline is full with possible answers to the question – why Jürgen committed the horrible crimes portrayed in the movie.I can hardly believe that someone will see this movie and fill find the guilt in the only boy himself – the parents and the surroundings of Jürgen played their role too to shape his mentality. "…sad glimpses of the stunted boy inside the beast" was written in what review – and that seems to me the most important point of the film – but I wonder if too many people will be able to see trough …" The movie was disturbing indeed, especially since it is based on a true story. Some of the reviews I went trough about this movie were pointing out that the fact that Jürgen doesn't want to grow up is essential part of his "ill mentality " – and I strongly disagree with such opinion- what he did – those killings are evil , but they can not be associate with such desire of youthful life.

I LOVED this movie. I have showed it for a few people and within the first few minutes they were out of tune with it. They are simple minded low-brains. This movie explores the deepest feelings and feelings within feelings of the heart, soul, and mind.This movie tells the story of an addiction. The addiction is so strong that the character must decide which road is going to be LESS painful to him. Either be a criminal or deny his heart of his desire.I don't know who will like this movie but I sure did. The narrator describes all of his feelings. One might think that he is being vulgar or proud when in reality - it shows that he is innocently sincere. This movie is powerful - bold and strong. It is not for everyone and I am glad that I got to see it finally. I heard it existed but I couldn't get a copy until recently when it was released here in the USA on DVD. To anyone hiding a secret passion, the movie is common sense but to the normal Joe bl*w, its will be too strong.