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Poster for Chinese Roulette

Chinese Roulette

Seen it?

1977 | 86 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and 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 anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 26 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1977: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Ariane and Gerhard Christ, a wealthy Munich couple, plan for the weekend on separate trips, lying to the other about their trysts. However, their itineraries are complicated when they both arrive at the family's country home with their respective lovers.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    83% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.1 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 8K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder

  • Anna KarinaIrene Cartis
  • Margit CarstensenAriane Christ
  • Brigitte MiraKast
  • Ulli LommelKolbe
  • Alexander AllersonGerhard Christ
  • Volker SpenglerGabriel Kast
  • Macha MérilTraunitz
  • Andrea SchoberAngela Christ
  • Armin MeierMan at service station