The Lawyers 2009
"A German Story"
Directed by Birgit Schulz, *The Lawyers (2009)* dives into a pivotal chapter of 1970s German political history through the lens of three radical attorneys.
Director: Birgit Schulz
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Lawyers (2009)* about?
*The Lawyers (2009)* chronicles the radical legal battles of Horst Mahler, Otto Schily, and Hans-Christian Ströbele during 1970s West Germany. These attorneys, part of the left-wing opposition, challenged the state's authority while defending militant activists, including Mahler himself. Their shared vision of a transformed republic set the stage for a clash between revolution and repression.
Who directed *The Lawyers*?
The film was directed by Birgit Schulz, who crafts a gripping portrait of political idealism and legal defiance.
Who stars in *The Lawyers*?
The documentary features Horst Mahler, Otto Schily, and Hans-Christian Ströbele as the central figures, alongside archival appearances of key political figures of the era.
Is *The Lawyers (2009)* worth watching?
For viewers drawn to political documentaries, *The Lawyers (2009)* is a sharp, insightful choice. Its exploration of 1970s German radicalism feels urgent even decades later, offering a rare glimpse into the minds of three lawyers who reshaped history.
How long is *The Lawyers*?
The Lawyers (2009) runs for 92 minutes.
About The Lawyers (2009) — A Political Documentary of 1970s Germany
Directed by Birgit Schulz, *The Lawyers (2009)* dives into a pivotal chapter of 1970s German political history through the lens of three radical attorneys. Horst Mahler, Otto Schily, and Hans-Christian Ströbele emerge as the unlikely protagonists of this documentary, then part of the left-wing extraparliamentary opposition. United by their fierce criticism of West Germany as a stifling 'American vassal' and their dream of a revolutionary republic, they took on high-profile cases—including Mahler's own—while challenging the state's grip on freedom.
With a crisp 92-minute runtime, the film balances courtroom drama with intimate reflections, painting a vivid picture of idealism colliding with power. Atmospherically, it blends archival footage and candid interviews to evoke the tension of a nation wrestling with its identity. For anyone fascinated by political cinema or Germany's turbulent past, *The Lawyers (2009)* offers a compelling, thought-provoking journey.