Lili Marleen (1981)
Release Year: 1981
Nation: Germany
Alternative Title: Lili Marlene, Лили Марлен, 莉莉玛莲, リリー・マルレーン, Lili Marlen
Director: Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Writer: Joshua Sinclair, Lale Andersen, Manfred Purzer, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Werner Uschkurat
Production & Genre
Producer: Producer: Enzo Peri, Luggi Waldleitner
Companies: BR, CIP Filmproduktion GmbH, Rialto Films, Roxy Film
Genre: Action, Drama, Music, Romance, War
Budget: DEM 10,500,000 (estimated)
Awards & Similar
Awards:
Similar:
Keywords
Keywords: berlin, germany, in love with enemy, jewry, music record, musical, radio station, resistance, show business, switzerland, zurich
Story
In Zurich, Switzerland, Willie (Hanna Schygulla), a German singer working at a nightclub, falls in love with Robert (Giancarlo Giannini), son of a wealthy Jewish family involved in helping Jews flee Nazi Germany. Despite their love, Robert's family is suspicious of Willie due to her growing fame singing 'Lili Marleen', fearing she might be a Nazi sympathizer or risk their resistance efforts. When Willie helps smuggle concentration camp photos back to Switzerland, it puts her relationship with Robert and his family in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Willie's song becomes popular among German troops, catching Hitler's attention, further complicating matters for her and Robert who has been captured. The film follows Willie's struggle to navigate her loyalty to both her love for Robert and her newfound fame.
Summary
Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder in 1981, 'Lili Marleen' is a complex exploration of love and loyalty amidst the backdrop of World War II and Nazi Germany. The film follows Willie, a German singer whose career takes off after she starts singing 'Lili Marleen', a song that ironically becomes popular among German troops. Set primarily in Switzerland, the story weaves together Willie's personal life, her growing fame, and her connection to Robert's family who are involved in helping Jews escape Nazi Germany. Fassbinder uses this musical backdrop to explore themes of identity, betrayal, and the complexities of love during wartime.
