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Class Relations is a German drama film directed by Jean-Marie Straub and Danièle Huillet, which premiered in 1984. The film stars Christian Heinisch, Nazzareno Bianconi, and Mario Adorf in the lead roles. The film follows the lives of two men from different social backgrounds – a factory worker and a wealthy businessman – as they navigate their way through life in contemporary Germany.

The story revolves around Johannes (Heinisch), a young factory worker who dreams of a better life beyond his working-class roots. Johannes is dating Maria (Karin Nielsen), a woman from his same social class, but he finds himself increasingly attracted to Hanna (Laura Betti), an older and wealthy woman who lives in a villa overlooking the factory where he works. Hanna is married to the factory owner, Herr Herbst (Adorf), but she is dissatisfied with their loveless marriage and seeks solace in a brief affair with Johannes.

As Johannes becomes more involved with Hanna, he begins to develop a sense of class consciousness, realizing the stark inequalities between the working-class and the wealthy. He becomes more politically active, attending meetings and rallies with fellow workers, and fighting for better wages and working conditions.

Meanwhile, Herr Herbst is also struggling with his own sense of dissatisfaction. Despite his wealth and power, he feels trapped in his own life and unable to find true happiness. He is frustrated by the apparent lack of care and appreciation shown by his workers and struggles to understand their grievances.

As tensions rise between the workers and the factory owners, Johannes and Herr Herbst find themselves on opposite sides of a growing conflict. Johannes becomes increasingly involved in the workers' struggle for justice, while Herr Herbst becomes more desperate to preserve his power and his way of life.

Class Relations is a powerful exploration of the complex issues surrounding class and inequality in contemporary Germany. The film offers a nuanced and thoughtful portrayal of the struggles faced by working-class people, as well as the challenges faced by those in positions of power and privilege. The performances by Heinisch, Bianconi, and Adorf are all excellent, bringing depth and complexity to their respective characters.

The film is also notable for its use of long takes and stationary camera shots, which create a sense of realism and immediacy. This style of filmmaking allows the audience to feel as though they are a part of the action, witnessing the events of the film unfolding in real-time.

Overall, Class Relations is a thought-provoking and emotionally impactful film that offers an insightful commentary on contemporary German society. It is a must-see for anyone interested in issues of social justice, inequality, and class struggle.

Class Relations is a 1984 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.