Der Hasenhüter

In a small German town in the late 1920s, a young Jewish boy named Jona struggles to adjust after his family flees persecution. He finds solace and a strange connection with an old, reclusive man known as the Rabbit Keeper, who lives on the outskirts of town. The film explores themes of alienation, prejudice, and the search for belonging in a darkening world.

Der Hasenhüter received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of childhood trauma and societal tensions during a tumultuous historical period. It was praised for its atmospheric direction and strong performances, particularly from its young lead.

• A poignant and unsettling look at pre-war Germany through a child's eyes.

• Lilienthal masterfully captures the encroaching fear and isolation.

• The film is distinguished by its quiet intensity and powerful subtext.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the film's age and niche status, but those available often highlight its emotional depth and historical significance.

Awarded the Golden Bear at the 27th Berlin International Film Festival in 1977.

The film was shot in the Bavarian town of Dinkelsbühl, which, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, provided an authentic backdrop for the late 1920s setting.