Momo (1986 film)

Momo is a 1986 fantasy film directed by Johannes Schaaf. It is a West German-Italian co-production based on the 1973 novel of the same name by Michael Ende. The film stars Radost Bokel as Momo, a young orphan girl who possesses the ability to listen exceptionally well.

The film follows Momo as she lives in an ancient amphitheater and befriends the local villagers. Her peaceful existence is threatened by the arrival of the "Grey Men," emotionless creatures from the Nowhere House who steal people's time. They convince people to save time, ostensibly for a better future, but in reality, they are hoarding it for themselves, turning the population cold and lifeless.

Momo, with the help of Master Hora, the guardian of time, and his tortoise Cassiopeia, embarks on a quest to defeat the Grey Men and return the stolen time to the people. The film explores themes of time management, consumerism, and the importance of human connection and imagination. The film deviates in some respects from the original novel, but generally maintains the spirit and themes. It received mixed reviews upon release.