Die Sünderin

Willi Forst's 1951 German film follows Marina, who comes from a difficult family and is pushed into prostitution. Her life changes when she meets Alexander, a painter. Alexander has a brain tumour and is losing his sight. The film covers the effort to find the money for surgery and the decision that follows; the narrative takes up assisted death directly. It caused a large argument in postwar Germany; the churches opposed its release and it was blocked in some places. Hildegard Knef leads, and the role defined her career. Who it's for: viewers of postwar German cinema and the history of censorship. Who it's not for: viewers for whom suicide and euthanasia would be difficult.