Effi Briest (1974)

See All Available Formats

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, All Movie Guide

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, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Violence)

Looking for special editions of Effi Briest?

See All Versions

Subtitles:

Check All Versions

Closed Captioning:

Check All Versions