The German philosopher and literary critic Walter Benjamin fled to the border town of Portbou under dramatic circumstances on September 25 and 26, 1940, accompanied by Lisa Fittko. However, due to a new decree, the Spanish authorities did not allow the fugitive to enter the country, but wanted to send him back to France, whereupon Benjamin took his own life in the hotel Francia de Portbou on the night of September 26-27, 1940, in order to escape extradition. "With THE ANGEL OF HISTORY, Eric Esser has succeeded in creating an atmospheric cinematic journey between now and then." (FBW Filmbewertung)
A border in Europe. A painting by Paul Klee. A poem by Walter Benjamin. A film about yesterday and today.
The German philosopher and literary critic Walter Benjamin fled to the border town of Portbou under dramatic circumstances on September 25 and 26, 1940, accompanied by Lisa Fittko.
However, due to a new decree, the Spanish authorities did not allow the fugitive to enter the country, but wanted to send him back to France, whereupon Benjamin took his own life in the hotel Francia de Portbou on the night of September 26-27, 1940, in order to escape extradition.
"With THE ANGEL OF HISTORY, Eric Esser has succeeded in creating an atmospheric cinematic journey between now and then." (FBW Filmbewertung)