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The Ninth Day

Directed by Volker Schlöndorff

German-Luxembourg-Czech Republic | 98 minutes | 2004

German and French with English subtitles

With The Ninth Day, Director Volker Schlondorff (Academy Award-winning The Tin Drum) creates a moral thriller that illuminates an almost unimaginably dark story that is inspired by the true tale of a dissident priest's temporary furlough from Dachau. The Ninth Day transforms an ethical crisis into a nail biting showdown an unspeakable guilt into transcendent redemption. From inside the hell of the Dachau concentration camp, Father Henri Kremer clings to a fragile life and fading faith. But Gestapo officer Gebhardt, a young and ruthless lapsed seminarian, arranges a nine day reprieve for the priest. If Kramer can persuade his staunchly anti-Nazi Bishop to capitulate to Nazi occupation, he'll go free. But if he fails or tries to escape, certain death awaits. Torn between duty, faith, fear for his own life and for the lives of his loved ones, in just nine days Kremer must find a way to ease his conscience, protect his family, and uphold his vows.
Foreign Title Der neunte Tag
Director Volker Schlöndorff
Countries of Production German-Luxembourg-Czech Republic
Year of Presentation 2004
Language(s) German and French with English subtitles
Premiere Status
Runtime 98 minutes
Principal Cast Ulrich Matthes, August Diehl, Hilmar Thate
Award(s)

Winner Best Film at the Munich Film Festival

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