Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974)
The 1974 German film Ali: Fear Eats the Soul, directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, is a classic of New German Cinema. The film follows the story of an unlikely romance between an elderly German widow, Emmi, and a much younger Moroccan immigrant, Ali. While the film is primarily a love story, it also contains several powerful sexual moments that explore the complexities of interracial relationships.
The first sexual moment in the film occurs when Emmi and Ali are in bed together. This scene is significant because it is the first time the two characters have been intimate. The scene is shot in a long take, allowing the audience to observe the awkwardness of the situation. The camera lingers on Emmi's face as she nervously looks away from Ali, conveying her discomfort with the situation. The scene is also significant because it is the first time Emmi has been intimate with a man since her husband's death.
The second sexual moment in the film occurs when Emmi and Ali are in the bathtub together. This scene is significant because it is the first time the two characters have been physically intimate. The scene is shot in a long take, allowing the audience to observe the tenderness of the moment. The camera lingers on Emmi's face as she looks lovingly at Ali, conveying her newfound feelings of love and acceptance.
The third sexual moment in the film occurs when Emmi and Ali are in the bedroom together. This scene is significant because it is the first time the two characters have been sexually intimate. The scene is shot in a long take, allowing the audience to observe the passion of the moment. The camera lingers on Emmi's face as she looks lovingly at Ali, conveying her newfound feelings of love and desire.
The sexual moments in Ali: Fear Eats the Soul are powerful and meaningful. They explore the complexities of interracial relationships and the struggles of finding love and acceptance in a world that is often hostile to such relationships. The film is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Ali is shown shirtless in a few scenes, but full frontal in another scene, along with a woman fully nude shown from the rear.
In one scene, Ali is seen showering. About three shots show his full frontal nudity.
Later in the film, Ali undresses in expectation of sex with a woman. He undresses completely and stands fully naked, facing the camera, for a few of seconds. A fully naked woman, seen from behind briefly, enters the room and they embrace and lay down together.