Depictions of sexuality is a key element that intersect in the format of both Ali, Fear Eats the Soul (1974) and Maedchen in Uniform (1931). While the films are released over 40 years apart, both these films depict sexuality and explore sexual taboos in Germany. Ali, Fear Eats the Soul, directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, is a tale of interracial love and explores the impact of racism on human relationships. Leontine Sagan’s Maedchen in Uniform contains themes of lesbian relationships and expression of emotion. Though the films messages differ from each other, the longing for love for the characters are very similar.
Ali, Fear Eats the Soul revolves around love and overcoming difficulties in relationships. Fassbinder’s portrayal of Emmi shows the audience the passion and authentic love she has for Ali. Fassbinder acknowledges Emmi’s sexuality but chooses to show her desire for love and companionship as the focal point in the film. One notable scene is when Emmi looks at Ali while he is showering. Her gaze does not show any exploitative voyeurism and the words she tells him are addressed to Ali only. The authenticity of the love …show more content…
Personally, I preferred Ali, Fear Eats the Soul to Maedchen in Uniform because of its realism and story. Ali, Fear Eats the Soul displayed the consequences of racism and how it can destroy relationships. Even though it is an old German movie, the film was surprisingly entertaining and the characters and their actions felt realistic. Though black and white films can be seen as having “more depth” or being more “artistic”, I prefer the colour and style of Ali, Fear Eats the Soul. Fassbinder’s characterization of both lovers and their unusual love story creatively shows how love has nothing to do with others. Ultimately, the plot and motif in Ali, Fear Eats the Soul provided a realistic conclusion to the story which appealed to me
Ali, Fear Eats the Soul revolves around love and overcoming difficulties in relationships. Fassbinder’s portrayal of Emmi shows the audience the passion and authentic love she has for Ali. Fassbinder acknowledges Emmi’s sexuality but chooses to show her desire for love and companionship as the focal point in the film. One notable scene is when Emmi looks at Ali while he is showering. Her gaze does not show any exploitative voyeurism and the words she tells him are addressed to Ali only. The authenticity of the love …show more content…
Personally, I preferred Ali, Fear Eats the Soul to Maedchen in Uniform because of its realism and story. Ali, Fear Eats the Soul displayed the consequences of racism and how it can destroy relationships. Even though it is an old German movie, the film was surprisingly entertaining and the characters and their actions felt realistic. Though black and white films can be seen as having “more depth” or being more “artistic”, I prefer the colour and style of Ali, Fear Eats the Soul. Fassbinder’s characterization of both lovers and their unusual love story creatively shows how love has nothing to do with others. Ultimately, the plot and motif in Ali, Fear Eats the Soul provided a realistic conclusion to the story which appealed to me