Bernd Schröder

Described as an answer to Fassbinder's The Marriage of Maria Braun, Fraulein tells the story of a German woman and a former French prisoner of war living in 1950s Germany. Instead of playing a role in rebuilding her country, Haneke's heroine remains preoccupied with her personal affairs. Shot predominantly in black and white (with a color sequence added toward the end), Fraulein asserts Haneke's place alongside the masters of the New German Cinema. (worldcinema.com)

Alfred lives on the streets and sleeps under a bridge. One day he meets policeman Erwin in a bar; after they realise that Alfred is from the same village as Erwin's family, an unusual friendship develops. Erwin is disgusted with his life, particularly his thoughtless wife and overly rigorous colleagues, so tries to help Alfred.