Rio das Mortes (1971)

42% of users liked it
(177 ratings)

Aimlessness and misplaced ambition take two friends in unexpected directions in this made-for-TV drama directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. Michel (Michael Konig) and Gunther (Gunther Kauffmann) are two friends who feel trapped in Germany and are trying to decide what to do with their lives;… More Aimlessness and misplaced ambition take two friends in unexpected directions in this made-for-TV drama directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. Michel (Michael Konig) and Gunther (Gunther Kauffmann) are two friends who feel trapped in Germany and are trying to decide what to do with their lives; Gunther has recently gotten out of the Army and is looking for work, while Michel installs floor tiles. Michel and Gunther get hold of a map of the Rio das Mortes in Peru, and become obsessed with the idea of leaving everything behind and going to Peru in search of treasure. Hanna (Hanna Schygulla), who is engaged to marry Michel, doesn't think much of this idea and wishes her boyfriend would come to his senses, eventually threatening violence to prevent him from leaving her. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Directed By: Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Genres: Drama, Television, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Feb 15, 1971 Wide

Critic Reviews

Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
This mostly forgotten entry of Rainer Werner Fassbinder's early futzing-around period feels unaccountably close to an American road-trip comedy.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
This made-for-TV drama is a minor but enjoyable entry in the Rainer Werner Fassbinder oeuvre.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
A trifle.

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

Rio das Mortes is a bit hit and miss as far as I'm concerned. I loved the idea, I just don't think it reached its full potential. That said, I thought the climax at the airport was brilliant, it has all the components that would usually make such a scene a classic, alas, few… More
Rio das Mortes is a bit hit and miss as far as I'm concerned. I loved the idea, I just don't think it reached its full potential. That said, I thought the climax at the airport was brilliant, it has all the components that would usually make such a scene a classic, alas, few people seem to have seen it. Fassbinder has obviously improved as a director by this point though, for me this is where there is quite a contrast from his early work and the later work he is better known for. Was it a rule that Fassbinder had to hit at least one woman in all of his films?

Rio das Mortes (1971)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

Also available on

Other Retailers

Subscription Services

Cast

Watch offline from your computer

Flixster Desktop

Watch on your TV

Google TV

Microsoft XBOX 360

Sony Playstation 3

Watch on your tablet

iPad

Kindle Fire, Kindle Nook

Android tablets

Watch on your phone

iPhone, iPod Touch

Android phones

Are you sure?

Google TV Get the Flixster app , then sign in	Microsoft XBOX 360 Get the Vudu app, connect to UltraViolet. Rentals currently not available. Flixster app coming soon!
Sony Playstation 3 Get the Vudu app, connect to UltraViolet. Rentals currently not available. Flixster app coming soon!

iPad Get the Flixster app , then sign in	Kindle Fire, Kindle Nook Get the Flixster app , then sign in
Android tablets Get the Flixster app , then sign in