The Second Awakening of Christa Klages Movie Review

This West German film is essentially a simplistic fairy tale, but so well acted, scripted, and directed that its many implausibilities can be forgiven. Tina Engel, in the title role, commits a “political” robbery with a pair of male cohorts when her kindergarten becomes strapped for funds. The rest of the film shows how she deals with the consequences of her crime. Her colleagues refuse to accept the money and a female witness pursues her, in this feminist variation on Les Miserables. Engel, a plain and chunky yet attractive actress, is excellent as Christa, her performance enhanced by a superb supporting cast, including the entrancing Peter Schneider in a romantic role. Margarete von Trotta does a forceful job directing her own script (co-written with Luisa Francia). Franz Rath's expert camera work and Klaus Doldinger's effective score add to the suspense. AKA: Das Zweite Erwachen der Christa Klages.

1978 90m/C GE Tina Engel, Sylvia Reize, Marius Muller-Westernhagen, Peter Schneider, Katharina Thalbach; D: Margarethe von Trotta; W: Margarethe von Trotta, Luisa Francia; C: Franz Rath; M: Klaus Doldinger. VHS