Der Schutzengel
Der Schutzengel

Movie spotlight

Der Schutzengel

1997
Movie
90 min
German

Dr. Maria Fender makes few friends at her new workplace with her motto “Rehabilitation instead of incarceration”. At the renowned clinic for the mentally ill, only hard cases such as child molesters and serial killers are detained. When Maria defies the therapy instructions of her boss Dr. Strauss, she is suspended from duty. On her own initiative, she frees butcher Marc from the institution because she believes she can cure him...

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: Dagmar HirtzGenres: Drama, Crime

Plot Summary

A young woman, having served time in a juvenile detention center for a crime she insists she didn't commit, is released into a society that views her with suspicion. She struggles to rebuild her life and clear her name, facing obstacles from both the authorities and those who believe she is guilty. Her quest for justice becomes a desperate fight for survival and redemption.

Critical Reception

Der Schutzengel received mixed to positive reviews, with particular praise directed towards Anna Thalbach's performance. Critics noted the film's sensitive handling of themes like juvenile justice, societal prejudice, and the difficulty of reintegration. While some found the plot predictable, others lauded its emotional depth and thought-provoking portrayal of a young woman's struggle.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for a compelling lead performance that anchors the film's emotional weight.

  • Acknowledged for its sensitive exploration of challenging social issues.

  • Some critics found the narrative arc somewhat conventional.

Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available for this specific film on Google reviews.

Fun Fact

Anna Thalbach, who plays the protagonist, was only 14 years old at the time of filming, bringing a remarkable authenticity to her role as a troubled young woman.

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