Der Mann und sein Name

The young Walter Retzlow, drafted into the guard team of a foreign labor factory in the last year of the war, receives the papers of a murdered anti-fascist by chance. He adopts the new identity, which promises him security.

Directed by Vera Loebner, Der Mann und sein Name leans on a strong ensemble — Ulrich Mühe, Rolf Ludwig, Gesine Laatz — 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 1983.