Watch Das Fraulein

Das Fraulein is a 2006 film directed by Andrea Staka. The movie captures the essence of everyday life and explores the notions of relationships and companionship. The story revolves around three women from different backgrounds who work in Zurich, Switzerland. The central character is Ruza (Mirjana Karanovic), a Serbian woman who left her war-torn country in search of a better life for her daughter Mila (Ljubica Jovic). She works as a barmaid at a local pub in Zurich and has spent years trying to build a new life for herself and her daughter, whom she raised alone. Her past continues to haunt her, and she often feels lonely, yearning for companionship and a sense of belonging.

One day, a young woman named Ana (Marija Skaricic) walks into Ruza's bar looking for a job. Ana is from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and she shares a similar background with Ruza. She has come to Zurich to escape her conservative family, who disapprove of her lifestyle choices. Unlike Ruza, Ana is carefree and independent, living life on her terms. The two women strike up an unlikely friendship, and Ruza becomes a mentor figure to Ana.

The third character is Mila, Ruza's daughter, who has grown up in Switzerland and feels disconnected from her mother's past. She is independent and rebellious, seeking her identity and struggling to bridge the gap between her past and present. The relationships between the three women evolve over the course of the movie, and their dynamics fluctuate between tenderness and tension.

Das Fraulein portrays the lives of immigrants in a foreign land, their struggles to assimilate and fit in, and their attempts to reconcile their past with their present. It explores the concept of family and the lengths one would go to protect their loved ones. The movie is shot in a naturalistic style, with long takes and close-ups that capture the characters' emotions and vulnerabilities.

The film also touches upon themes of gender and sexuality. Ana's bisexuality is a source of conflict between her and her family, and she struggles to reconcile her desires with her cultural upbringing. Similarly, Ruza's traditional views on sex clash with Ana's modern attitudes, leading to a rift in their friendship.

Overall, Das Fraulein is a poignant and introspective movie that delves into the complexities of human relationships. It offers a glimpse into the lives of three women from different generations and backgrounds, united by their struggles to navigate their lives in a new country. The movie has won numerous awards, including the Golden Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival, cementing its place as a seminal work in Swiss cinema.