Gesche Gottfried
Gesche Gottfried

Movie spotlight

Gesche Gottfried

1978
Movie
0
German

TV drama about the 15-time poisoner Gesche Gottfried, who was beheaded in front of 35,000 spectators on April 21, 1831 - the last public execution in Bremen.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Volker SchlöndorffGenres: Drama, Crime, History

Plot Summary

Based on a true story, the film depicts the life of Gesche Gottfried, a woman who poisoned at least 15 people in Bremen, Germany, during the early 19th century. It explores her motivations, the societal context of her crimes, and her eventual trial and execution. The narrative focuses on her complex relationships and the psychological underpinnings of her actions.

Critical Reception

Gesche Gottfried was a critically acclaimed German film that garnered attention for its historical accuracy and powerful performances, particularly from Hanna Schygulla. The film was praised for its unflinching look at a notorious historical figure and its exploration of dark themes within a specific historical period.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its compelling portrayal of a historical serial killer.

  • Hanna Schygulla's performance as Gesche Gottfried was widely lauded.

  • The film effectively captures the grim atmosphere of 19th-century Bremen.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's chilling depiction of true crime and its strong lead performance, although some find the subject matter disturbing.

Fun Fact

The real Gesche Gottfried was one of the last women publicly executed in Germany, beheaded in Bremen in 1831.

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