Der eiserne Gustav

A slow, earnest character study of a stubborn old man's last stand, mixing quiet melancholy with a gentle, life-affirming journey.

Created by

Wolfgang Staudte

Genres

Drama

Starring

Gustav Knuth, Eva Brumby, Dagmar Biener

Overview

The stern and reserved Gustav Hartmann, known as "Iron Gustav", is the last Berlin cab driver. At the end of the 1920s, his time is over as horse-drawn cabs are replaced by automobile cabs. He is threatened with impoverishment. His family wants to have him incapacitated. So he sets off on one last great journey that takes him from Berlin to Paris and back. A reporter with a nose for a big story accompanies him, Gustav becomes famous, returns to Berlin in triumph and, having become a gentle and approachable person, reconciles with his family.

How it feels

Melancholic, earnest, warm and tense. Slow-burning and needs your attention.

About

Aging, family, identity, class

Content

Mild violence and language. No gore or sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)