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Effi Briest (1974)

Effi Briest (1974)
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Rainer Werner Fassbinder's adaptation of a late 19th-century novel by Theodor Fontane is an austere period piece that may be the least characteristic of the German director's films. The titular heroine, played by Fassbinder regular Hanna Schygulla, is a 17-year-old girl forced into a loveless marriage with an old count. Living as the aristocrat's trophy wife, Effi endures her provincial existence unhappily. Her circumstances lead to a brief affair with a young lieutenant that attracts the attention of the townspeople, but not her unsuspecting husband's. Years later, however, the count discovers the love letters between his wife and her lover. As dictated by convention, he challenges the lieutenant to a duel and throws his wife out of their home. The shamed Effi is forced to live by herself, shunned by society and spurned by her family. Effi eventually returns to her unsympathetic parents, who reluctantly take in their disgraced daughter. ~ Elbert Ventura, Rovi

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Director(s):
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Effi Briest

Rainer Werner Fassbinder's adaptation of a late 19th-century novel by Theodor Fontane is an austere period piece that may be the least characteristic of the German director's films. The titular heroine, played by Fassbinder regular Hanna Schygulla, is a 17-year-old girl forced into a loveless marriage with an old count. Living as the aristocrat's trophy wife, Effi endures her provincial existence unhappily. Her circumstances lead to a brief affair with a young lieutenant that attracts the attention of the townspeople, but not her unsuspecting husband's. Years later, however, the count discovers the love letters between his wife and her lover. As dictated by convention, he challenges the lieutenant to a duel and throws his wife out of their home. The shamed Effi is forced to live by herself, shunned by society and spurned by her family. Effi eventually returns to her unsympathetic parents, who reluctantly take in their disgraced daughter. ~ Elbert Ventura, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
140 mins

Complete Cast of Effi Briest


Director(s):
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Writer(s):
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Producer(s):
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR(Strong Sexual Content, Not For Children, Violence, Adult Situations)
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Member Reviews
 
Jim S.

The only thing that kept me awake was the necessity to read the sub-titles. I loved the cinematography, but the acting was poor and the story line uninteresting.

Yes   |   No

 
GUSTAVO J.

To slow for my taste

Yes   |   No

 
Sonia A.

A fine piece. I watched not once but three times. An interesting analysis of human character and reactions when there are social and intellectual differences among them. The message is clear: Moral values and real intentions will show up sooner or later from both sides. Interesting pschycological "game" from the old count to terrorrize Effi with the chinaman ghost (probably the reason he married somebody from a lower level-to be able to play those games) and also how silly from her to fall for the trick of the Lieutenant who pointed it to her just to make her his lover. And how cynical and mindless she was when she said: "I married you for the money, how ambitious I am". Did not aim to be an entertainment therefore one cannot say it is "slow or fast" for this type of movie. But, if anybody think so... they can always "pause" the movie and watch "speed" or one of the multiples James Bond's, then go back to watch it again. That will make it

Yes   |   No

 
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