The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (1972)
The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant is streaming in Germany on Amazon Arthaus Channel, Arthaus+ Apple TV channel, Arthaus+.
The verdict
The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant holds up as a perfectly decent German film, if not a remarkable one. It carries a 7.4/10 on TMDB across 243 ratings — comfortably clear of the pack. It clocks in at a standard 124 minutes. In Germany you can stream it on Amazon Arthaus Channel, Arthaus+ Apple TV channel, Arthaus+.
Should you spend 2h 4m on it?
2h 4m of German drama with romance threaded through. Runs about as long as you'd expect, so no scheduling gymnastics needed.
- Why
- 7.4/10 from 243 ratings — well received so far, on a modest sample.
- Skip if
- you're after something that moves faster than it feels
- Best for
- A normal night, nothing to plan around
Story
Petra von Kant is a successful fashion designer -- arrogant, caustic, and self-satisfied. She mistreats Marlene (her secretary, maid, and co-designer). Enter Karin, a 23-year-old beauty who wants to be a model. Petra falls in love with Karin and invites her to move in.
Good to know
| Runtime | 2h 4m |
| Genre | Drama / Romance |
| Language | German |
| Best screen | Stream at home |
Director
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Cast
Where to watch in Germany
Included with a subscription — no extra charge on these platforms.
Availability as of 26 Sept 2026 — platforms may change over time.
Trailer
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