Knife in the Head
1978, German. Directed by Reinhard Hauff.
One night when seeking his estranged wife, Hoffmann goes to the youth center where she works. The police are there rounding up radicals who frequent the center - Hoffmann runs into the building and ends up being shot in the head. He awakens with brain trauma, partially paralyzed and unable to speak. The police accuse him of stabbing an officer; the radicals herald him as an innocent victim of police brutality. During his slow recovery at the hospital, Hoffmann must piece together his life and struggle to remember the events of that night.
- Runtime
- 1h 48m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- German
- Rated
- R
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Where to watch Knife in the Head
Knife in the Head isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online.
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Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 11 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 17 November 1978
- Original title
- Messer im Kopf
- Country
- Germany
- Written by
- Peter Schneider
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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Knife in the Head: quick answers
Is Knife in the Head worth watching?
Knife in the Head doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Knife in the Head?
Knife in the Head runs 108 minutes (1h 48m).
Does Knife in the Head have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Knife in the Head. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Knife in the Head parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Knife in the Head is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Knife in the Head on?
Knife in the Head isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like Knife in the Head?
If you liked Knife in the Head, try The Young One, All Day and a Night, Imperial Dreams.
Who directed Knife in the Head?
Knife in the Head (1978) was directed by Reinhard Hauff and stars Bruno Ganz, Angela Winkler, Hans Christian Blech.