Katzelmacher
1969 · Movie · Not Rated · 90 min · ★ 6.4 · 95% critics
A group of aimless young adults kill time outside an apartment building, drifting through dull routines and strained relationships. When a foreign newcomer moves in looking for work and lodging, gossip and prejudice spread fast, exposing the group’s cruelty and turning everyday boredom into simmering conflict.
Based on Katzelmacher
Where to watch
Streaming on The Criterion Channel.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 1969
- Release date
- 1969-11-22
- Language
- German
- Rated
- Not Rated
- Runtime
- 90 min
- Critic score
- 95/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.4/10 (55 votes)
About
You may like this if you’re into bleak, slow-burn social dramas about prejudice and group pressure, especially if Ali: Fear Eats the Soul appeals to you; Not for you if you need fast pacing, warmth, or clear-cut heroes.
Pros: sharp social commentary; tense group dynamics; memorable minimalist style | Cons: slow, repetitive pacing; characters feel underdeveloped; dated portrayal at times
Themes
- small town
- foreigner
- bourgeoisie
- xenophobia
Cast & crew
Hanna Schygulla
as Marie
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
as Jorgos
Hans Hirschmüller
as Erich
Lilith Ungerer
as Helga
Rudolf Waldemar Brem
as Paul
Elga Sorbas
as Rosy
Harry Baer
as Franz
Irm Hermann
as Elisabeth
- PM
Peter Moland
as Peter
Doris Mattes
as Gunda
Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder