The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant
Seen it?1972 | 124 min | Drama, Romance
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (85% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics. If you loved Cabaret or Gia, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 4 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1972: an older pace and style.
Petra von Kant is a successful fashion designer -- arrogant, caustic, and self-satisfied. She mistreats Marlene (her secretary, maid, and co-designer). Enter Karin, a 23-year-old beauty who wants to be a model. Petra falls in love with Karin and invites her to move in.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
85% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Berlin award.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 46K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder
- Margit CarstensenPetra von Kant
- Hanna SchygullaKarin Thimm
- Katrin SchaakeSidonie von Grasenabb
- Eva MattesGabriele von Kant
- Gisela FackeldeyValerie von Kant
- Irm HermannMarlene