1973·Horror·1h 22m
7.0
★
A German serial killer preys on boys and young men during the so-called years of crisis between the wars. Based on the true story of Fritz Haarmann, aka the Butcher of Hanover and the Vampire of Hanover.
Directed by Ulli Lommel
based on true story
male homosexuality
serial killer
series of murders
gay theme
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Where to Watch
Cast
Kurt Raab
Insp. Fritz Haarmann
Margit Carstensen
Frau Lindner
Ingrid Caven
Dora
Wolfgang Schenck
Kommissar Braun
Brigitte Mira
Louise Engel
Barbara Bertram
Elli
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Wittowski
Heinrich Giskes
Lungis
Friedrich Karl Praetorius
Kurt Fromm
El Hedi ben Salem
Französischer Soldat
Rainer Will
Opfer
Christoph Eichhorn
Opfer
Crew
Ulli Lommel
Director
Kurt Raab
Writer
Peer Raben
Original Music Composer
Jürgen Jürges
Director of Photography
Michael Fengler
Producer
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Producer
Kurt Raab
Production Design
Popular Reviews
13 reviews
Alex Teichman
6.0★ · 06/27/24
True story is rough
True story is rough
va24mar
6.0★ · 10/10/23
1973 | Serial Killers
Hooptober X: 11/32
6 countries: 3/6 - germany
Directed by frequent Rainer Werner Fassbinder collaborator Ulli Lommel and produced by and even starring Fassbinder as well as many of his other frequent collaborators, “Die Zärtlichkeit der Wölfe” is based on the real story of notorious german serial killer Fritz Haarmann, who committed his first murder in 1918 and then at least 23 more between 1923 and 1924. He was convicted of 24 murders of young men and boys, but the number of his actual victims might very well be a lot higher. Because of his way of killing, his frequent collaboration with the police as an informant and him very likely selling the meat of his victims amidst a shortage of food and meat in particular, his case remains one of the most gruesome of its time.
Now the film was a bit of a disappointment. I liked it, but I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would. It’s well made and it’s got an interesting approach of not focusing on the killings themselves, most of the time cutting away when they happen, but instead portraying Haarmann’s life of petty crime and as a police informant as well as his relationship to neighbors and friends. It’s an interesting approach, but it didn’t fully work for me. The performances and direction are very good tho.
And looking at this and how good of a film this is, it’s kind of a shame to see what director Ulli Lommel did in the latter half of his career. If you take a look at his filmography, there hardly is a serial killer he didn’t make a film about. The Zodiac, BTK, Son of Sam, the Night Stalker, the Zodiac again and countless other true crime stuff like the Black Dahlia and the Manson Family. Yikes. And judging by the posters and reviews, all of them seem to be terrible. Oh well, at least this is a good film.
Hooptober X: 11/32
6 countries: 3/6 - germany
Directed by frequent Rainer Werner Fassbinder collaborator Ulli Lommel and produced by and even starring Fassbinder as well as many of his other frequent collaborators, “Die Zärtlichkeit der Wölfe” is based on the real story of notorious german serial killer Fritz Haarmann, who committed his first murder in 1918 and then at least 23 more between 1923 and 1924. He was convicted of 24 murders of young men and boys, but the number of his actual victims might very well be a lot higher. Because of his way of killing, his frequent collaboration with the police as an informant and him very likely selling the meat of his victims amidst a shortage of food and meat in particular, his case remains one of the most gruesome of its time.
Now the film was a bit of a disappointment. I liked it, but I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would. It’s well made and it’s got an interesting approach of not focusing on the killings themselves, most of the time cutting away when they happen, but instead portraying Haarmann’s life of petty crime and as a police informant as well as his relationship to neighbors and friends. It’s an interesting approach, but it didn’t fully work for me. The performances and direction are very good tho.
And looking at this and how good of a film this is, it’s kind of a shame to see what director Ulli Lommel did in the latter half of his career. If you take a look at his filmography, there hardly is a serial killer he didn’t make a film about. The Zodiac, BTK, Son of Sam, the Night Stalker, the Zodiac again and countless other true crime stuff like the Black Dahlia and the Manson Family. Yikes. And judging by the posters and reviews, all of them seem to be terrible. Oh well, at least this is a good film.
1973 | Serial Killers
Hooptober X: 11/32
6 countries: 3/6 - germany
Directed by frequent Rainer Werner Fassbinder collaborator Ulli Lommel and produced by and even starring Fassbinder as well as many of his other frequent collaborators, “Die Zärtlichkeit der Wölfe” is based on the real story of notorious german serial killer Fritz Haarmann, who committed his first murder in 1918 and then at least 23 more between 1923 and 1924. He was convicted of 24 murders of young men and boys, but the number of his actual victims might very well be a lot higher. Because of his way of killing, his frequent collaboration with the police as an informant and him very likely selling the meat of his victims amidst a shortage of food and meat in particular, his case remains one of the most gruesome of its time.
Now the film was a bit of a disappointment. I liked it, but I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would. It’s well made and it’s got an interesting approach of not focusing on the killings themselves, most of the time cutting away when they happen, but instead portraying Haarmann’s life of petty crime and as a police informant as well as his relationship to neighbors and friends. It’s an interesting approach, but it didn’t fully work for me. The performances and direction are very good tho.
And looking at this and how good of a film this is, it’s kind of a shame to see what director Ulli Lommel did in the latter half of his career. If you take a look at his filmography, there hardly is a serial killer he didn’t make a film about. The Zodiac, BTK, Son of Sam, the Night Stalker, the Zodiac again and countless other true crime stuff like the Black Dahlia and the Manson Family. Yikes. And judging by the posters and reviews, all of them seem to be terrible. Oh well, at least this is a good film.
Hooptober X: 11/32
6 countries: 3/6 - germany
Directed by frequent Rainer Werner Fassbinder collaborator Ulli Lommel and produced by and even starring Fassbinder as well as many of his other frequent collaborators, “Die Zärtlichkeit der Wölfe” is based on the real story of notorious german serial killer Fritz Haarmann, who committed his first murder in 1918 and then at least 23 more between 1923 and 1924. He was convicted of 24 murders of young men and boys, but the number of his actual victims might very well be a lot higher. Because of his way of killing, his frequent collaboration with the police as an informant and him very likely selling the meat of his victims amidst a shortage of food and meat in particular, his case remains one of the most gruesome of its time.
Now the film was a bit of a disappointment. I liked it, but I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would. It’s well made and it’s got an interesting approach of not focusing on the killings themselves, most of the time cutting away when they happen, but instead portraying Haarmann’s life of petty crime and as a police informant as well as his relationship to neighbors and friends. It’s an interesting approach, but it didn’t fully work for me. The performances and direction are very good tho.
And looking at this and how good of a film this is, it’s kind of a shame to see what director Ulli Lommel did in the latter half of his career. If you take a look at his filmography, there hardly is a serial killer he didn’t make a film about. The Zodiac, BTK, Son of Sam, the Night Stalker, the Zodiac again and countless other true crime stuff like the Black Dahlia and the Manson Family. Yikes. And judging by the posters and reviews, all of them seem to be terrible. Oh well, at least this is a good film.
noen
7.0★ · 08/22/23
"Tenderness of the Wolves" is a thriller that takes the audience on a dark and distorted journey in the mind of a serial killer. This German film captivates with its atmosphere and dark production.
Set in 19th-century Germany, the film follows the notorious serial killer Fritz Haarmann. Haarmann's dramatic but disturbing portrait keeps viewers attentive, as he manages to simultaneously evoke fear and empathy as the film dives into the psychology of this complex character, exploring his motivations and relationships intertwined with his person.
The film's cinematography is impressive, capturing the sad and gray atmosphere of the time. The poorly lit streets, ruined buildings and strange landscapes increase the suspense and general tension of the whole story. The attention to detail in the reconstruction of the moment is admirable, immersing the public in the dark reality of history.
Overall, "Tenderness of the Wolves" is an intense and moving thriller that shows two human natures. With exciting performances, atmospheric graphics and intriguing stories, this is a must for fans of psychological thrillers. But don't watch it if you're a soft heart, it's still a fun and cool movie experience.
Set in 19th-century Germany, the film follows the notorious serial killer Fritz Haarmann. Haarmann's dramatic but disturbing portrait keeps viewers attentive, as he manages to simultaneously evoke fear and empathy as the film dives into the psychology of this complex character, exploring his motivations and relationships intertwined with his person.
The film's cinematography is impressive, capturing the sad and gray atmosphere of the time. The poorly lit streets, ruined buildings and strange landscapes increase the suspense and general tension of the whole story. The attention to detail in the reconstruction of the moment is admirable, immersing the public in the dark reality of history.
Overall, "Tenderness of the Wolves" is an intense and moving thriller that shows two human natures. With exciting performances, atmospheric graphics and intriguing stories, this is a must for fans of psychological thrillers. But don't watch it if you're a soft heart, it's still a fun and cool movie experience.
"Tenderness of the Wolves" is a thriller that takes the audience on a dark and distorted journey in the mind of a serial killer. This German film captivates with its atmosphere and dark production.
Set in 19th-century Germany, the film follows the notorious serial killer Fritz Haarmann. Haarmann's dramatic but disturbing portrait keeps viewers attentive, as he manages to simultaneously evoke fear and empathy as the film dives into the psychology of this complex character, exploring his motivations and relationships intertwined with his person.
The film's cinematography is impressive, capturing the sad and gray atmosphere of the time. The poorly lit streets, ruined buildings and strange landscapes increase the suspense and general tension of the whole story. The attention to detail in the reconstruction of the moment is admirable, immersing the public in the dark reality of history.
Overall, "Tenderness of the Wolves" is an intense and moving thriller that shows two human natures. With exciting performances, atmospheric graphics and intriguing stories, this is a must for fans of psychological thrillers. But don't watch it if you're a soft heart, it's still a fun and cool movie experience.
Set in 19th-century Germany, the film follows the notorious serial killer Fritz Haarmann. Haarmann's dramatic but disturbing portrait keeps viewers attentive, as he manages to simultaneously evoke fear and empathy as the film dives into the psychology of this complex character, exploring his motivations and relationships intertwined with his person.
The film's cinematography is impressive, capturing the sad and gray atmosphere of the time. The poorly lit streets, ruined buildings and strange landscapes increase the suspense and general tension of the whole story. The attention to detail in the reconstruction of the moment is admirable, immersing the public in the dark reality of history.
Overall, "Tenderness of the Wolves" is an intense and moving thriller that shows two human natures. With exciting performances, atmospheric graphics and intriguing stories, this is a must for fans of psychological thrillers. But don't watch it if you're a soft heart, it's still a fun and cool movie experience.
Garon Cockrell
7.0★ · 11/27/16
Really interesting story practically screaming for a remake. What a creepy and oddly human story about a guy who was essentially a monster. Really interesting watch.
Really interesting story practically screaming for a remake. What a creepy and oddly human story about a guy who was essentially a monster. Really interesting watch.
цахарадон
6.0★ · 01/20/26