Die Ehe der Maria Braun (1979)

A World War II widow seeks to adjust to life in postwar Germany.

From memory: Excellently produced  movie mirrors post-war Germany and its immorality in the fate of a singular woman; good to look at on the screen and a great vehicle to showcase Hanna Schygulla's talent.

Halliwell*: "A mixture of solemnity and irony which keeps its basic points well concealed but, despite a sometimes flagging pace, more or less consistently entertains the eye."

Maltin***1/2: "Schygulla shines in the Joan Crawfordesque role...Riveting..."

Lili Marleen (1981)

In Switzerland, German singer Willie falls in love with Jewish composer, Robert, who offers resistance to the Nazis by helping refugees.

From memory: Fassbinder's attempt to make a big movie production is meticulously produced, but the result is a dubious combination of old-fashioned melodrama with the director's usual idiosyncrasies.

Halliwell*: "Curious mixture of melodrama and satire which doesn't really work but is always lively to watch."

Maltin**1/2: ""Second-rate Fassbinder about third-rate cabaret singer...Intriguing subject matter is pretentiously handled.