Germany, Pale Mother (1980) Blu-ray

A Film by Helma Sanders-Brahms

Set during the Third Reich and its aftermath, this lyrical, harrowing tale of love and war is a neglected classic of New German cinema.

Hans and Lene scarcely have time to meet and marry before Hans is sent away to fight, leaving Lene to give birth during an air raid and struggle through the war with a baby daughter. Based on director and writer Helma Sanders-Brahms' mother's experience, the film explores the devastating impact of politics of family life.

Eva Mates (Lene) gives a brilliant, fearless performance, with the film casting a powerful emotional spell which is intensified by a delicate, plaintive piano score. German critics savaged the film at its premiere, baulking at its subjective female take on recent history. Cut by 30 minutes for cinema release, only now has it been restored to its impressive original form and released for the first time on Blu-ray

Special features:

• Germany, Pale Mother: original director's cut (Helma Sanders-Brahms, 1980, 151 minutes)
• Germany, Pale Mother alternative theatrical cut (Helma Sanders-Brahms, 1980, 123 minutes)
• Hermann Mein Vater (Helma Sanders-Brahms, 1987, 52 min)
• Extensive booklet with essays and complete film credits
• Other extras TBC
  • 1980 - Berlin International Film Festival, Golden Bear - Nominated
  • 1980 Créteil International Women's Festival, Grand Prix - Won

Awards