Ali: Fear Eats the Soul
1974, German. Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder.
Emmi Kurowski, a cleaning lady, is lonely in her old age. Her husband died years ago, and her grown children offer little companionship. One night she goes to a bar frequented by Arab immigrants and strikes up a friendship with middle-aged mechanic Ali. Their relationship soon develops into something more, and Emmi's family and neighbors criticize their spontaneous marriage. Soon Emmi and Ali are forced to confront their own insecurities about their future.
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- German
- Rated
- NR
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Worth the Hype
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7.7/10 from 475 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Ali: Fear Eats the Soul
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul is streaming on HBO Max in India.
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Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 11 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Rainer Werner FassbinderDirector
- Brigitte MiraEmmi Kurowski
- El Hedi ben SalemAli
- Irm HermannKrista
- Barbara ValentinBarbara
- Elma KarlowaMrs. Kargus
- Anita BucherMrs. Ellis
- Gusti KreisslPaula
- Doris MattesMrs. Angermayer
- Margit SymoHedwig
- Katharina HerbergBardame
- Lilo PempeitMrs. Munchmeyer
- Walter SedlmayrMr. Angermayer
Details
- Released
- 5 March 1974
- Original title
- Angst essen Seele auf
- Country
- Germany
- Written by
- Rainer Werner Fassbinder
- Budget
- $130K
- Box office
- $187K
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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Ali: Fear Eats the Soul: quick answers
Is Ali: Fear Eats the Soul worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.7/10 from 475 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Ali: Fear Eats the Soul?
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul runs 93 minutes (1h 33m).
Does Ali: Fear Eats the Soul have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Ali: Fear Eats the Soul. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul is rated NR in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Ali: Fear Eats the Soul on?
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul is streaming on HBO Max in India. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like Ali: Fear Eats the Soul?
If you liked Ali: Fear Eats the Soul, try Cocoon, Head-On, Malcolm & Marie.
Who directed Ali: Fear Eats the Soul?
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974) was directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder and stars Brigitte Mira, El Hedi ben Salem, Irm Hermann.