Laufen lernen

Reni Wirth is a woman in her "prime," in her late thirties, a housewife like millions of others and seemingly fulfilled by caring for her husband and two teenage daughters. Despite slight irritations about her mere existence as a housewife, she takes good care of her family. A preventive breast cancer screening completely disrupts the apparent family idyll. Although the worst fears are not confirmed, after days of terrible anxiety, Reni begins to understand the misery of her personal situation: her daughters will soon be on their own, and she can hardly return to the profession she once learned. What will be left for her? Reni takes a courageous but uncertain step toward somewhere where she suspects she will find "freedom."

Directed by Jutta Brückner, Laufen lernen leans on a strong ensemble — Sylvia Ulrich, Eberhard Feik, Britta Pohland — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about tv movie titles of 1980.