Perhaps few know that the beginning of Adidas and Puma, two of the most recognized brands in the sports world, was marked by the differences between Adolf “Adi” and Rudolf “Rudi” Dassler, the German brothers who divided their family business into two companies that They became multinationals.
In this successful four-episode German miniseries, the journey of both boys in their bond of brotherly rivalry is addressed. From its origins in the family shoe factory to its great achievements such as having fitted the German team in the Amsterdam Olympic Games in 1928. It even follows them after the final separation, after the Second World War. It is the story of a confrontation that lasted a lifetime and led them to compete even in the same field.
Thus we find out that the children of Christoph and Pauline Dassler served in the military during the First World War. When they return to their native Herzogenaurach, in Germany, the Bavarian city is going through a severe economic crisis that leads them to set up a company, Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik, specialized in sports footwear. Although they don’t have the best relationship from the beginning, they understand each other very well in the business world. Adolf is introverted, dexterous, serene, creative, with enormous manual skills and focuses on design. Rudolf is partly a ‘Don Juan’, but also a smart, competitive, far-sighted person who knows how to relate to people and sell products.
The company began to grow rapidly, so much so that Jesse Owens, the American athlete who won important victories, used its shoes in the 1936 Olympic Games. The company was also recognized within the political current of Nazism. In fact, both take advantage of the passion for the sport of many officials to expand their business, and even Rudi declares himself a follower of the game. The most serious problems will come when the war ends and these circumstances emerge to collect bills.
However, it is impossible to detail here the multiple twists and turns that lead to the relationship between them breaking down completely until they become mortal enemies, who blame each other for everything and have families that are hostile to each other. The alternative of delving into such a little-known story is a fascinating proposal in which the characters are played by the talented actors Christian Friedel (“Babylon Berlin”) as Adolf, and by Hanno Koffler (“Free Fall”) in the skin of Rudolf.
