Fear Eats the Soul

Rainer Werner Fassbinder writes, directs and stars in this German romantic drama. In Munich, a tentative love affair between German native Emmi (Brigitte Mira) and the younger Moroccan immigrant Ali (El Hedi Ben Salem) threatens to buckle under the class tensions and racism exposed by their relationship. After meeting in a bar and beginning a joyous romance together, the pair wed but shortly after are faced with strong objections from Emmi's family, colleagues and neighbours who castigate her for the relationship.

Dismayed by the constant social rejection, Emmi too begins to adopt the prevailing xenophobic attitudes towards her husband in order to regain her social acceptance. Will she realise the error of her ways before Ali walks out of her life forever?