Knife in the Head
Messer im Kopf
Synopsis
One night when seeking his estranged wife, Hoffmann goes to the youth center where she works. The police are there rounding up radicals who frequent the center - Hoffmann runs into the building and ends up being shot in the head. He awakens with brain trauma, partially paralyzed and unable to speak. The police accuse him of stabbing an officer; the radicals herald him as an innocent victim of police brutality. During his slow recovery at the hospital, Hoffmann must piece together his life and struggle to remember the events of that night.
Top Cast
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Bruno Ganz
Hoffmann
Angela Winkler
Ann
Hans Christian Blech
Anleitner
Heinz Hoenig
Volker
Hans Brenner
Scholz
Udo Samel
Schurig
Eike Gallwitz
Dr. Groeske
Carla Egerer
Schwester Angelika
Gabriele Dossi
Schwester Emilie
Hans Fuchs
Chefarzt
Gert Burkard
Institutsdirektor Ahrens
Karl Scheydt
Kommissar
Erich Kleiber
Pförtner Arnold
Heinz Hürländer
Kommissar
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 23, 1980
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Reinhard Hauff
- Screenplay & Story
- Peter Schneider
- Original Score
- Irmin Schmidt
- Original Title
- Messer im Kopf
- Country of Origin
- Germany
- Spoken Languages
- German
- Runtime
- 1h 48m
- Production Studios
- Neue Bioskop Film
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Reinhard Hauff
Peter Schneider
Irmin Schmidt
Frank Brühne
Peter Przygodda
Eberhard Junkersdorf
Department Leadership Roster
Reinhard Hauff
Director
Peter Schneider
Writer
Peter Przygodda
Editor
Eberhard Junkersdorf
Producer
Heidi Lüdi
Production Design
Monika Altmann
Costume Design
Frank Brühne
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Interdit aux moins de 16 ans — 16+ only.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Knife in the Head.
Featured In Curated Collections
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1970s
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Frequently Asked Questions About Knife in the Head
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Knife in the Head about?
One night when seeking his estranged wife, Hoffmann goes to the youth center where she works. The police are there rounding up radicals who frequent the center - Hoffmann runs into the building and ends up being shot in the head. He awakens with brain trauma, partially paralyzed and unable to speak. The police accuse him of stabbing an officer; the radicals herald him as an innocent victim of police brutality. During his slow recovery at the hospital, Hoffmann must piece together his life and struggle to remember the events of that night.
Who directed Knife in the Head?
Knife in the Head was directed by Reinhard Hauff.
Who stars in Knife in the Head?
The principal cast of Knife in the Head includes Bruno Ganz, Angela Winkler, Hans Christian Blech, Heinz Hoenig, Hans Brenner.
When was Knife in the Head released and how long is it?
Knife in the Head was released in 1978 with a total runtime of 1h 48m.
Who composed the musical score for Knife in the Head?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Knife in the Head was composed by Irmin Schmidt.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Knife in the Head?
Knife in the Head holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: 16 (Interdit aux moins de 16 ans — 16+ only.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).