Watch System Crasher
- 2020
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7.8 (15,170)
System Crasher is a 2019 German drama film directed by Nora Fingscheidt. The movie tells the story of Benni, an aggressive and unpredictable 9-year-old girl who is deemed a "system crasher" by the German childcare system. Benni is a troubled child who suffers from a severe case of trauma-induced behavioral problems. Her mother has abandoned her, and she has been in and out of foster care since she was a baby. Her disruptive and violent behavior continuously gets her kicked out of every home she has been placed in, leaving her with no other option but to be institutionalized.
With a string of demerits and incidents of aggression propelling her into an undesired placement in a residential treatment center, Benni is caught between a social worker trying to help her and the system that cannot.
Her social worker, Micha, played by Albrecht Schuch, is passionate and dedicated to helping Benni. He believes that he can help her, but no matter what he does, her explosive behavior leads her down a path of rejection by society. Despite her challenges, Micha refuses to give up on Benni, and they grow closer and closer as their relationship evolves.
Helena Zengel, who was only 10 years old at the time, delivers a remarkable performance as Benni. She brings a stunningly raw, unrefined, genuine nature to her character, making her restless and sometimes violent nature far more understandable. Zengel has a powerful presence on the screen, always capturing your attention, and it's no surprise that she was widely acclaimed for her work in this film.
Gabriela Maria Schmeide also gives an impressive performance as Frau Bafané, a support worker who is tasked with helping Micha and the team care for Benni. Frau Bafané is a stern but motherly figure who tries her best to support Bennie through the developing difficult situations she faces.
Set in a gritty world, the film highlights the flaws in the German child welfare system through its portrayal of Benni's journey. System Crasher is a deeply resonant, emotional film that explores a central question: what happens when the system is broken, and a child is left behind?
System Crasher is not an easy watch, as it portrays the harsh realities that many children in the system face. It's a movie that challenges the viewer with its difficult themes, but it does so in a way that is both captivating and meaningful. The film ultimately challenges the way we view and treat troubled children, forcing the viewer to confront their own feelings and ideas about the child welfare system.
Overall, System Crasher is a well-crafted, critically acclaimed film that provides a powerful insight into the system that often fails to help the children in its care. With its brilliant ensemble cast and unforgettable performances, it's a film that stays with you long after the credits have rolled.
System Crasher is a 2020 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 89.