---
title: "23"
year: 1998
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/23-1998"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 1557
imdb_id: "tt0126765"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 99
community_rating: 6.8
vote_count: 232
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# 23 (1998) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/23-1998

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Topic: Film "23" (1998).
Role: Meticulous television and film archivist.
Constraint 1: Write ONLY verifiable facts from the provided SYNOPSIS and SOURCES.
Constraint 2: No invention/guessing (titles, names, dates, etc.).
Constraint 3: Original, neutral, encyclopedic prose in plain text.
Constraint 4: No markdown, no asterisks, no headings, no bullet points.
Constraint 5: Word count: 150-190 words.
Constraint 6: First sentence must not contain spoilers.
Constraint 7: Use ONLY facts from the provided material.
Title: 23
Year: 1998
US Release Date: 01/14/1999
Genre: Drama and Thriller
Runtime: 1h 39m
Plot: Based on the true story of a group of young computer hackers from Hannover, Germany.
Setting: Late 1980s.
Characters/Details:
Karl Koch: Orphan, invests heritage in a flat and a home computer.
Karl's activities: Dials up to bulletin boards to discuss conspiracy theories inspired by R.A. Wilson's "Illuminatus".
Karl and David: Start breaking into government and military computers.
Pepe: Karl's criminal acquaintance.
Pepe's actions: Senses money in computer cracking, travels to East Berlin, tries

## The Hook & The Verdict

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Hans-Christian Schmid
- **Networks / Studios**: Claussen+Wöbke Filmproduktion

## Key Cast Continuity

- **August Diehl** as *Karl Koch*
- **Fabian Busch** as *David*
- **Dieter Landuris** as *Pepe*
- **Jan-Gregor Kremp** as *Lupo*
- **Burghart Klaußner** as *Weber*
- **Stephan Kampwirth** as *Jochen Maiwald*
- **Zbigniew Zamachowski** as *Sergej*
- **Peter Fitz** as *Brückner*
- **Lilly Marie Tschörtner** as *Beate*
- **Arnulf Schumacher** as *Seybert*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream or watch 23 online?
23 is currently available to watch or stream on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video. Check our live regional availability tracker above for latest direct streaming, subscription, rent, or purchase options.

### Q: Is 23 worth watching?
23 holds a community rating of 6.8/10 based on 232 verified viewer ratings. It offers engaging Drama, Thriller for fans of the genre.

### Q: How long is the movie 23 and when was it released?
23 is a feature film with a runtime of 99 minutes. It was released in 1998. Release status: Released.

### Q: Who directed 23?
23 was directed by Hans-Christian Schmid.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [23 — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1557)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*