Apparently this is based on a true story, though I didn't bother to check if and how much of it really happened. It does feel that the movie takes creative liberties to heighten the drama and make it even more ridiculous than it already is (with the premise and all that).
Then again bureaucracy is really an "illness" in almost every country. On different degrees that is of course. While I never felt that german authoroties are that mad, in some regards I guess they are. Which still does not make this an entertaining or otherwise pleasant watch. Add the cliches and a slow pace to that crazy mix and I am not surprised the rating is way below average. That doesn't mean you shouldn't give the people involved the benefit of the doubt and try one of their other efforts ... though I can't vouch for them either
