The American Friend

Name: The American Friend
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Released: 1977-06-24
Duration: 125 min

1977 · Movie · NR · 125 min

★ 7.1(457)unSUB Rating

DramaThrillerCrime

A small-time art dealer with a shady side crosses paths with a quiet family man in Hamburg. When criminals come calling, they exploit the man’s failing health and financial worries, pushing him into a dangerous job that pulls him across borders and into an uneasy partnership built on pressure and mistrust.

Based on Ripley's Game

IMDb

Where to watch

Streaming on The Criterion Channel.

2 hours to watch.

Stream (included)

The Criterion Channel

Rent

Buy

Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.

unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.

unSUB does not host or stream any content. Every link above goes to a licensed provider.

More value for your money

Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.

Details

Original title: Der amerikanische Freund
Years: 1977
Release date: 1977-06-24
Language: German
Rated: NR
Runtime: 125 min
TMDB rating (input): 7.1/10 (457 votes)

About

You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a slow-burn crime story with paranoia, moral pressure, and an offbeat friendship, closer in mood to Purple Noon; Not for you if you need brisk pacing and clear, tidy plotting.

Pros: tense set pieces; moody, brooding vibe; strong lead performances | Cons: slow pace; hard-to-buy premise; story feels uneven