A soldier returns from WWI furious and starts his own chaotic revolution—no parties, no rules, just rage.
Soldier Ignaz Wolz returns from WWI with an immeasurable hatred of capitalist war profiteers. He decides to start his own revolution, but tries to stay away from the organized class struggle. He steals from the rich men and divides the wealth among the poor. One day, Wolz is arrested and sentenced to life in prison; seven years later he is released due to mass protests. More than ever, it is hard for him to fit in. He severs ties with his former companions, who reject his ideas, and leaves Germany.
Acting
Adomaitis burns with unhinged conviction—terrifying and magnetic.
Direction
Reisch's DEFA-era rawness feels eerily contemporary.
Director
Günter Reisch
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
A rare DEFA film critiquing leftist dogma from within—East Germany allowing self-criticism was unusual.
Based on real anarchist Max Hoelz, who actually did flee Germany and died in Soviet exile—ignored by both sides.
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