Written and directed by Fatih Akin, In the Fade is the winner of the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Actress Festival De Cannes for Diane Kruger’s performance of Katija. Her life suddenly falls apart because out of nowhere her husband Nuri, played by Numan Acar, and little son Rocco, played by Rafael Santana, are killed in a bomb attack.  Kruger performance is so believable in these scenes it was hard for me to watch. Any wife and mother will relate to what it must be like to suddenly lose your family.

Katija friends and family try to give her the support she needs, and Katja somehow manages to make it through the funeral. But the mind-numbing search for the perpetrators and reasons behind the senseless killing complicate Katja’s painful mourning, opening wounds and doubts. The mourning is not too long and fits well with the storyline.

Danilo, played by Denis Moschitto, a lawyer and Nuri’s best friend, represents Katja in the eventual trial against the two suspects. The suspects are a young couple from the neo-Nazi scene. The trial pushes Katja to the edge, but there’s simply no alternative for her because she wants justice.

In the Fade is a political film that throws a lot of punches at the injustice of senseless killings to make a strong statement.  Kruger is a strong actress and brings believability to her role. There are situations in the film which explain the injustice but Katija doesn’t buy it and wants justice.

The film is in German with English subtitles. Special features include cast interviews, Behind In The Fade & Inside In The Fade.