Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974)
Kernel Score: 88% · 446 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Romance, Drama
Released: 1974-03-05
Runtime: 93 minutes
Where to watch Ali: Fear Eats the Soul
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Emmi Kurowski, a cleaning lady, is lonely in her old age. Her husband died years ago, and her grown children offer little companionship. One night she goes to a bar frequented by Arab immigrants and strikes up a friendship with middle-aged mechanic Ali. Their relationship soon develops into something more, and Emmi's family and neighbors criticize their spontaneous marriage. Soon Emmi and Ali are forced to confront their own insecurities about their future.
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that Ali: Fear Eats the Soul is a mature German drama about an older woman and a younger immigrant man facing prejudice from family and neighbors.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Depicts a romantic and sexual relationship between the two adult leads, implied rather than explicit.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Ali: Fear Eats the Soul
If you liked Ali: Fear Eats the Soul, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Head-On (2004) — 83%
- Malcolm & Marie (2021) — 79%
- The Reader (2008) — 84%
- Blue Valentine (2010) — 78%
- All That Heaven Allows (1955) — 82%
- Harold and Maude (1971) — 85%
- The American Friend (1977) — 79%
- The Unknown Woman (2006) — 80%
Director
Cast
- Brigitte Mira as Emmi Kurowski
- El Hedi ben Salem as Ali
- Irm Hermann as Krista
- Barbara Valentin as Barbara
- Elma Karlowa as Mrs. Kargus
- Anita Bucher as Mrs. Ellis
- Gusti Kreissl as Paula
- Doris Mattes as Mrs. Angermayer
- Margit Symo as Hedwig
- Katharina Herberg as Bardame
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul FAQ
Is Ali: Fear Eats the Soul good?
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul has an 88% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 446 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Ali: Fear Eats the Soul?
In the US you can stream Ali: Fear Eats the Soul on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Ali: Fear Eats the Soul OK for kids?
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that Ali: Fear Eats the Soul is a mature German drama about an older woman and a younger immigrant man facing prejudice from family and neighbors.
What movies are like Ali: Fear Eats the Soul?
If you liked Ali: Fear Eats the Soul, try Head-On, Malcolm & Marie, The Reader and Blue Valentine.