Ali: Fear Eats the Soul
Director: Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Actors: Brigitte Mira, El Hedi ben Salem, Barbara Valentin
PlotEmmi, a lonely German widow in her 60s, stumbles into a bar frequented by foreign workers one rainy night. There, she meets Ali, a much younger Moroccan guest worker. Despite their age and cultural differences, a mutual attraction blossoms, and they quickly become close. Emmi’s newfound happiness is met with hostility and prejudice from her neighbors, colleagues, and even her own children. Their disapproval threatens to tear the couple apart, but Emmi and Ali remain resolute, determined to defy the societal norms that scorn their union.
The couple's relationship faces mounting external pressures and internal conflicts. Stresses from public scrutiny and the challenges of their differing backgrounds begin to affect their bond. Amidst the struggle for acceptance, they must confront the realities of their relationship and individual insecurities. The story poignantly explores themes of racism, love, and the human need for connection in the face of deep-seated societal prejudice.
Writers: Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Release Date: 31 Oct 1974
Runtime: 92 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: West Germany
Language: German, Arabic
Home Video Reviews
"Ali: Fear Eats the Soul", restored to stunning clarity, remains a compelling, relevant classic, though its audio limitations and recycled extras may underwhelm.
Read our review of Ali: Fear Eats the Soul Blu-ray Angst essen Seele auf to find out more