Watch The Legend of Rita

The Legend of Rita is a 2000 German drama film that revolves around a woman named Rita Vogt, played by Bibiana Beglau. Rita is a member of the Red Army Faction, a left-wing militant organization in Germany in the 1970s. She is constantly on the run and hiding from the police, but eventually finds refuge in East Berlin. There, she starts a new life under the assumed name of Ingrid and becomes a maid at a small guesthouse in the countryside. She befriends the owners, Manfred and Gabi, and slowly starts to become a part of their lives. She even falls in love with Manfred, played by Martin Wuttke, and they start a romantic relationship.

However, Rita's past catches up with her when a group of her former comrades arrives in East Berlin seeking refuge. They convince her to join them in a new underground organization that is planning a series of bombings. Rita is torn between her love for Manfred and her loyalty to her radical ideals.

The Legend of Rita is a complex and nuanced drama that explores themes such as identity, ideology, and the human cost of political violence. Director Volker Schlöndorff, who won an Oscar for the 1979 film The Tin Drum, creates a vivid and realistic portrayal of Germany in the 1970s, using archival footage and meticulous attention to detail.

Bibiana Beglau delivers an outstanding performance as Rita, capturing the character's inner turmoil and conflicting emotions. Richard Kropf is also impressive as one of Rita's former comrades, who tries to convince her to stay loyal to the cause.

The film has a strong sense of realism and avoids clichés and stereotypes. It is not a simple story of good vs. evil, but rather a nuanced exploration of complex characters and their motivations. The Legend of Rita is a must-see film for anyone interested in political dramas, German history, or simply great filmmaking.

Overall, The Legend of Rita is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that asks difficult questions about political violence and its consequences. It is a masterful piece of filmmaking that combines powerful performances, insightful writing, and a visceral sense of realism. Highly recommended for fans of intelligent and challenging cinema.