I was drawn to this film because I'm currently trying to examine the medium of film to piece together the remnants of German society after WWII. I was also further drawn to this film, when I read that it dealt with an abortionist - a taboo suject for our time. But, nonetheless intriguing to see depicted.
On the latter point; the abortions depicted in this film were incredbly unsettling to watch. That to me is besides the point, what I gathered more ouf of this film was the milieu the characters inhabited: Roswitha, a mother of 3; with a husband (Franz) who she supports financially, was reliant on this illegal abortion operation to make ends meet. Unfortunately, this "abortion show" is cut short eventually as malpractice leads to the authorities being notified of Roswitha's actions, and thus she ceases being an abortionist, but that then puts her family in financial troubles. Requiring Franz to find a job and her to find something new to focus her time towards; which she finds by getting involved in political activism (a way to find purpose in life you could say).
Looking at all of this from a bird's eye view you can see how "society" pushes the individual; the family; everyone around, in such a way that we are all left trying to make something of ourselves (however small or big); or find some meaning out of it all. Interesting to ponder all of this. That's all.
On the latter point; the abortions depicted in this film were incredbly unsettling to watch. That to me is besides the point, what I gathered more ouf of this film was the milieu the characters inhabited: Roswitha, a mother of 3; with a husband (Franz) who she supports financially, was reliant on this illegal abortion operation to make ends meet. Unfortunately, this "abortion show" is cut short eventually as malpractice leads to the authorities being notified of Roswitha's actions, and thus she ceases being an abortionist, but that then puts her family in financial troubles. Requiring Franz to find a job and her to find something new to focus her time towards; which she finds by getting involved in political activism (a way to find purpose in life you could say).
Looking at all of this from a bird's eye view you can see how "society" pushes the individual; the family; everyone around, in such a way that we are all left trying to make something of ourselves (however small or big); or find some meaning out of it all. Interesting to ponder all of this. That's all.