Die Macht der Männer ist die Geduld der Frauen

For many years, market woman Addi has been helplessly exposed to the ever-increasing aggression of her husband Max. His physical and emotional abuse has become part of her everyday life, from which she cannot find a way out. Due to her economic dependence on Max and the passivity of those around her, every attempt to escape leads her back to her husband. When Addi accidentally learns of the existence of a women's shelter, this is her long-awaited escape from violence and she flees to the facility with her son. Strengthened by the solidarity among the women, she founds a shared flat with others in order to regain her long-suppressed freedom. Director Cristina Perincioli had the story developed and acted out by residents of Germany's first women's shelter in West Berlin.

Directed by Cristina Perincioli, Die Macht der Männer ist die Geduld der Frauen leans on a strong ensemble — Elisabeth Walinski, Eberhard Feik, Dora Kürten — 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 drama titles of 1978.