Die Sehnsucht der Veronika Voss (1982)

 

Veronika Voss is a once prominent UFA actress, kept by her doctor, who raises suspicion in a sports journalist.

From memory: Beautifully photographed in black-and-white in exquisitely stylish sets, this melodrama follows the tragic fate of a former German movie star who can no longer find success in post-war Germany; Fassbinder clearly set this as homage to the actress Sybille Schmitz, who he admired, but also as a critique of the relentless German society after WWII.

Halliwell**: "Fascinatingly convoluted puzzle play with enough to say for a year of late-night discussions; but the bleached-out black and white photography is an unnecessary strain." 

Maltin***: "Interesting saga...Good, but not great, Fassbinder..."

Engel aus Eisen (1981)

The story of a Berlin gang of thieves led by juvenile Werner Gladow during the time of the Berlin Blockade 1948-49.

From memory: A crime drama, wonderfully photographed in black and white, with an ensemble of some of Germany's best actors, tells a true story with great period details, but is at times a bit over-stylized.