Die göttliche Sophie

Pastor Jens Steffensen is actually a dyed-in-the-wool northerner. However, at the request of his old university friend Clemens Stölzer, he pulls up stakes in St. Pauli and takes on a small parish deep in the south. On his arrival in picturesque Fischbach, Jens initially experiences a culture shock. He also almost runs over Sophie Strohmayr's cat, thereby incurring her wrath. To make up for his mistake, he offers Sophie, who has just lost her job at the local dairy, the vacant position of housekeeper in the vicarage. Although Sophie has left the church, she accepts the offer after a moment's hesitation.

Directed by Hajo Gies, Die göttliche Sophie leans on a strong ensemble — Michaela May, Jan Fedder, Saskia Vester — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about tv movie titles of 2009.