There’s a good chance that you’ve never heard the name Margarethe von Trotta before. Despite being a leading light of the German New Wave, the Berliner has been over-shadowed by the likes of Wim Wenders, Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Werner Herzog. She’s still making films, but history has done her a disservice and her earlier work is only just now being rediscovered by European audiences. Like the titular heroine in one of her best films, Rosa Luxemburg, she has a lot to say.
A dedicated pacifist, Marxist and member of various socialist and communist parties in several European countries, Rosa Luxemburg (Barbara Sukowa) has never been scared to speak her mind. Despite being imprisoned on many occasions, the Polish agitator remained determinedly unperturbed. Continuing to write diatribes against war, imperialism, the government, capitalism and even the leaders of her own party.
It’s apt that it fell to von Trotta to take on Rosa Luxemburg after the death of Rainer Werner Fassbinder. She because obsessed with the agitator. Two women fighting to get their voices heard in different worlds both dominated by men. Sukowa once again demonstrates why she was one of the best European actors of her generation. There’s a lot to take in, but Rosa Luxemburg is a film which is ripe for these tumultuous times. A story of absolute commitment and utter self-belief.
Special Features:
- Brand new restoration
- Interview with Margarethe Von Trotta
- Interview with Barbara Sukowa
- Trailer
Rosa Luxemburg is released on DVD, digital and Blu-ray by Studiocanal as part of their Vintage Classics on 4 February
