In the 16th century in the Cévennes, a horse dealer by the name of Michael Kohlhaas leads a happy and prosperous family life. When a lord treats him unjustly, this pious, upstanding man raises an army and puts the country to fire and sword in order to have his rights restored.
Acting
Mikkelsen's controlled silence says more than any speech.
Cinematography
Bleach-bypassed landscapes that look like dying paintings.
Sound
Minimal score—just wind, hooves, and doom.
Director
Arnaud des Pallières
Mads Mikkelsen
Michael Kohlhaas
Mélusine Mayance
Lisbeth
Delphine Chuillot
Judith
Bruno Ganz
The Governor
Denis Lavant
The Theologist
David Kross
The Preacher
Roxane Duran
The Princess
Paul Bartel
Jérémie
David Bennent
César
Swann Arlaud
The Baron
Sergi López
The Armless
Amira Casar
The Abbess
Jacques Nolot
The Lawyer
Christian Chaussex
The Manager
Jean-Louis Coulloc'h
The Neighbor
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on Heinrich von Kleist's 1811 novella, adapted by Godard and Fassbinder before this. The story is practically German-national DNA at this point.
Bruno Ganz's final major film role—his Governor is weary, complicit bureaucracy incarnate, a haunting farewell.
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