Angst essen Seele auf
Director: Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Cast: Brigitte Mira, El Hedi ben Salem, Irm Hermann, Barbara Valentin, Elma Karlowa
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul — Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
Angst essen Seele auf.
Context
Spoken by Ali to Emmi in the bedroom as they discuss their fears and the hostility they face.
Meaning
The titular line (grammatically broken German for "Fear eats the soul") encapsulates the film's central thesis: that the constant anxiety of living as an outcast destroys one's essence.
Think much, cry much.
Context
Ali's response when Emmi asks him about his family and his past.
Meaning
A fatalistic worldview that suggests introspection leads to misery for those in their position.
I know that I'm old and that you could have any young girl.
Context
Emmi to Ali, acknowledging the unlikelihood of their pairing.
Meaning
Highlights Emmi's insecurity and the transgressive nature of their age gap.
Because I'm so happy, and so full of fear, too.
Context
Emmi explaining her tears to Ali.
Meaning
Expresses the duality of their relationship—it brings immense joy but triggers terrifying consequences.
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