Effi Briest (1974 film)

Effi Briest also known as Fontane Effi Briest is a 1974 film directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, adapted from German author Theodor Fontanes 1894 novel of the same name. The films full title that was originally used in West Germany was Fontane Effi Briest oder Viele, die eine Ahnung haben von ihren Mglichkeiten und Bedrfnissen und dennoch das herrschende System in ihrem Kopf akzeptieren durch ihre Taten und es somit festigen und durchaus besttigen. In English this is translated to mean Fontane Effi Briest or Many People Who Are Aware of Their Own Capabilities and Needs Just Acquiesce to the Prevailing System in Their Thoughts and Deeds, Thereby Confirm and Reinforce It.

The film begins with Effi Briest using a swing set in her familys back yard, where her mother, Louise Briest, comments on her wild nature, saying that she has an aerial spirit. Later, Effi is seen talking to some of the other teenage girls outside her house about when Baron Instetten was younger. She recalls a story her mother had told her about Instetten visiting her at her family estate while he was still a soldier. However, the man who would become Effis father was already in the council of nobles and owned HohenCremmen, so when he asked to marry Effis mother she chose to accept. Afterward, Instetten chose to resign from the army and study law. When Effi returns inside, Effis mother informs her that Baron Instetten has asked for her hand. With her parents encouragement, along with her own desire for prestige, she accepts the proposal.From there Effi and her mother began to prepare for the honeymoon in Italy. Although Effi did not want for most possessions, when she desired something only the best would do. However, just before Effi leaves for her honeymoon with Instetten, she admits to her mother that while he is considerate, principled, and dashing, she is nonetheless frightened by him. After Effi leaves on a train for Italy, her parents discuss married life, during which Herr Briest comments that Louise Briest would have suited Instetten much better than Effi had. ........

Source: Wikipedia