He stole his dead friend's life—oops, turns out he's not dead.
Based on a switched identity, in circumstances that are found in real life as well as fiction, this drama tells the story of two soldiers fighting together in World War I. Karl (Joachim Latsch) and Richard (Hans-Use Bauer) become close friends while serving time in a German POW camp. One day Karl manages a successful escape and goes to Richard's home where he seeks refuge posing as Richard. But Richard's wife Anna (Kathrin Waligura) has never given up hope that her husband is still alive -- a possibility that would shatter Karl's proposed new life. In fact, Richard did not die in the POW camp. This film shared the Grand Prix award at the 1985 Berlin Film Festival.
Acting
Waligura's Anna—hope as weapon and wound.
Direction
Simon builds dread through silences and mud.
Production
Gritty East German authenticity, no Hollywood heroics.
Director
Rainer Simon
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
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