The Woman and the Stranger

Director: Rainer Simon
Screenwriters: Rainer Simon

Institute History

  • 1986 Sundance Film Festival

Description

The Woman and the Stranger will remind some of The Return of Martin Guerre. This German version of a similar story is equally as profound and compelling as its French counterpart. Towards the end of World War II, two German POWs are virtually abandoned on a surreal and desolate landscape to dig an endless ditch. They escape, with one returning to the wife of his comrade. Gradually, they become “man and wife,” living out their love amidst the desolation and sorrow of war. Gate, s much as love, determine their life together, Rational emotion abandoned, they yield to their passion.

The Woman and the Stranger is an honest, terrifying and deeply human film about survival and compassion. In an enigmatic ending, the real husband returns. But the trio’s fate remains uncertain.

Screening Details

Credits

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