The Dead and the Living (2012)
A haunting European drama in which a young woman travels across a fractured continent to confront her family's wartime past and her own identity.
The Dead and the Living - Movie Information
- Original Title: Die Lebenden
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Barbara Albert
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: English, German, Polish
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 25, 2012 (Spain), March 19, 2014 (France)
- Production Companies: Komplizen Film, Alexander-Stern Productions, Coop99 Filmproduktion
- Production Countries: Austria, Germany, Poland
The Dead and the Living - Plot
The personal journey of young Sita is not only an expedition into her family's burdened past during World War 2. It is also a journey to the abyss of modern European society, a trip which takes her from Berlin to Romania via Vienna and Warsaw - about losing one's homeland and discovering oneself, about hope and responsibility.
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The Dead and the Living - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Barbara Albert
Main Cast
- Anna Fischer
- August Zirner
- Winfried Glatzeder
- Wanja Mues
- Daniel Sea
- Hanns Schuschnig
- Itay Tiran
- Almut Zilcher
- Emily Cox
- Kristina Bangert
Writers
- Barbara Albert
Producers
- Bruno Wagner
- Barbara Albert
The Dead and the Living - FAQs
What is The Dead and the Living about?
The Dead and the Living follows Sita, a young woman who travels across Europe — from Berlin through Vienna and Warsaw to Romania — to uncover her family's troubled history during World War II. The film weaves together themes of memory, identity, displacement, and the weight of inherited trauma within modern European society.
Who directed The Dead and the Living?
The Dead and the Living was directed by Barbara Albert, the acclaimed Austrian filmmaker also known for Nordrand and Böse Zellen. Albert also wrote the screenplay, bringing a distinctly personal and politically engaged sensibility to this multilingual European co-production.
Who are the main actors in The Dead and the Living?
The film stars Anna Fischer as Sita, the young protagonist at the heart of the story, alongside August Zirner, Winfried Glatzeder, Wanja Mues, Daniel Sea, Hanns Schuschnig, Itay Tiran, Almut Zilcher, Emily Cox, and Kristina Bangert in supporting roles.
When was The Dead and the Living released?
The Dead and the Living had its initial release on September 25, 2012, in Spain, followed by a French release on March 19, 2014. The film is an Austrian, German, and Polish co-production that premiered on the international festival circuit.
Where can you watch The Dead and the Living?
Streaming availability for The Dead and the Living varies by region. You can check current viewing options — including rental, purchase, and subscription platforms available in your country — on JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information for this film.
What languages are spoken in The Dead and the Living?
The Dead and the Living is a multilingual film featuring dialogue in German, English, and Polish. The original language of the production is German. This linguistic diversity reflects the film's pan-European setting, spanning locations across Austria, Germany, Poland, and Romania.
Is The Dead and the Living based on a true story?
The Dead and the Living is not based on a specific true story, but it draws deeply on the historical reality of World War II and its lasting impact on European families. Director Barbara Albert grounds the fictional narrative in authentic historical contexts, including references to Auschwitz and the broader legacy of wartime trauma.
What is the runtime of The Dead and the Living?
The Dead and the Living has a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes (111 minutes). The film's measured pace allows director Barbara Albert to develop Sita's emotional and geographical journey across multiple European countries with depth and nuance.
More About The Dead and the Living
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