Ali: Fear Eats the Soul
Angst essen Seele auf 1974
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul is a film by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. Fassbinder, known for his radical statements, drug fueled lifestyle, turbulent relationships, and bold movies does not disappoint in this film about love, prejudice, and human interaction.
The film follows the love story of Emmi (Brigitte Mira) and Ali (El Hedi ben Salem), a migrant worker who is originally from Morocco. Ali is at least twenty years Emmi’s junior, adding to their differences. Despite these things the two fall in love and decide to marry. They are both as happy as can be and find great joy in simple things like talking and coffee.
The conflict begins when Emmi’s friends, coworkers, housemates, and children discover the marriage. Her coworkers refuse to talk to her at work. Her children tell her to forget she ever had them. Her housemates insist she clean the floor because they think Ali is dirty. Strangers even stare at the couple in judgmental and condescending ways. The hatred begins to wear on Emmi and causes her to break down. In hopes that it will help things the pair decides to take a vacation
When they return everyone has seemingly realized they need the pairs help. Emmi is asked to keep her grandchildren and Ali helps the neighbor move her things to Emmi’s cellar. While things seem to be on the up the relationship between the two is actually on a downward spiral. The film follows the struggles and tribulations the pair faces as they begin to realize that love is not all rainbows and butterflies. The film comes to an unexpected end that will leave audiences wondering about the final relationship between the two.
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