Duel at Night

The committed inspector Jonas Birke, just new to the Frankfurt homicide squad, only has this one night left. The next day, his superior Lehm wants to present to the press the perpetrator who murdered the former police officer Rainer Mettich in a hotel room. One night - actually enough time to prove the crime to the convicted criminal Wolfram Ernst. But Birke has doubts: Mettich was about to testify about corruption to the police. His statement would have cost the careers of many bigwigs from business and the police. The well-known businessman Ludwig Wellingsen and his beautiful wife Isabel also seem to be involved in the matter.

Directed by Matti Geschonneck, Duel at Night leans on a strong ensemble — Iris Berben, Jürgen Vogel, Ina Weisse — 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 crime titles of 2007.