Chinese Roulette 1977
Chinese Roulette (1977) dives into the psychological unraveling of a Munich power couple as their carefully constructed lies collide during a fateful weekend at the family's country estate.
Director: Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chinese Roulette (1977) about?
The film follows Ariane and Gerhard Christ, a wealthy Munich couple who plan separate getaways, each hiding an affair. When their itineraries collide at the family's countryside home, their lies unravel in a weekend of simmering tension and explosive confrontations.
Who directed Chinese Roulette?
Chinese Roulette was directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, the prolific German filmmaker known for his incisive social dramas and collaborations with New German Cinema.
Who stars in Chinese Roulette?
The film stars Anna Karina, Margit Carstensen, Brigitte Mira, Ulli Lommel, and Alexander Allerson in a cast that brings Fassbinder's sharp character studies to life.
Is Chinese Roulette (1977) worth watching?
While not widely rated on IMDb, Chinese Roulette is a standout in Fassbinder's filmography, praised for its psychological depth and stylish tension. If you enjoy European dramas that dissect class and morality, it's a compelling watch—though its slow-burn pacing won't suit everyone.
How long is Chinese Roulette?
Chinese Roulette has a runtime of 86 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Chinese Roulette (1977) — A Fassbinder masterpiece of deception and dark wit
Chinese Roulette (1977) dives into the psychological unraveling of a Munich power couple as their carefully constructed lies collide during a fateful weekend at the family's country estate. Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, the film blends razor-sharp drama with the tension of a ticking time bomb, where trust erodes faster than the champagne flutes empty. Anna Karina and Margit Carstensen lead the ensemble, portraying Ariane and Gerhard Christ, whose deceptions spiral when both arrive at the same isolated manor with their secret lovers in tow. The claustrophobic setting and Fassbinder's signature critique of bourgeois hypocrisy create an atmosphere thick with betrayal and dark humor.
A masterclass in psychological tension, Chinese Roulette explores the fragility of relationships and the destructive power of secrets. Fassbinder's direction strips away pretenses, revealing raw emotions beneath the polished facades of wealth and status. The film's themes of deception and moral ambiguity resonate as sharply today as they did in the late '70s, making it a cult favorite for fans of cerebral European cinema.