Liebe auf Bewährung

After the death of her husband, the well-off widow Juliane Willbrand sinks into a great void. Her efforts to return to her old job as a librarian after twenty years prove futile until prison warden Schober gives her a chance. The challenge as head of the prison library gives Juliane energy and new courage to face life. She falls in love with the artistically talented prisoner Albert Tieck, who was sentenced to seven years behind bars after an arson in which his wife died. When Albert apparently uses a prison leave to escape, Juliane's world falls apart - until she discovers Albert's secret.

Directed by Bernd Böhlich, Liebe auf Bewährung leans on a strong ensemble — Thekla Carola Wied, Helmut Griem, Hans Peter Hallwachs — 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 2004.