Search - Merchant of Four Seasons on DVD

MPAA Rating: NR Content Advisory: Nudity, Suitable for Children, Profanity Movie Release: 1971 DVD Release: 07/09/2002 Format: DVD Audio Tracks: German Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 28 mins Studio: Fox Lorber Members Wishing: 4 Genres: Drama, Psychological Drama, Family Drama

Der Händler der vier Jahreszeiten (The Merchant of Four Seasons) is about the deterioration of a man's soul. Fruit vendor Hans (Hans Hirschmüller) cannot please his family. His mother harps on his failures. His wife is openly discontent. He must peddle produce to his beloved ex-girlfriend, and he is mocked by his customers for being shorter and fatter than his wife. He is withdrawn, crushed, and humiliated. He turns to drinking and violence, but his rage causes his wife and daughter to leave him. While desperately begging for their return, Hans suffers a debilitating heart attack. His family comes back, but Hans is unable to work and must hire help for his fruit stand. Hans' first employee is his wife's ex-lover, whom he fires for embezzling. He then hires a friend and hero from his legionnaire days, Harry (Klaus Löwitsch), out of pity. Harry is hardworking, diligent, and clever. He turns Hans' business around and enlivens his home life. Harry's success also begins to displace Hans -- with his fruit stand, with his wife, and even with his child. Hans becomes useless, a nothing -- exactly what his mother, his wife, and those around him set him up to be. ~ Aubry Anne D'Arminio, All Movie Guide

Hans Hirschmuller - Hans Epp
Rainer Werner Fassbinder - Zucker

Rainer Werner Fassbinder's Merchant of Four Seasons comes to DVD with a standard full-frame transfer. The German soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1. English subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a commentary track recorded by filmmaker Wim Wenders, and a pair of documentaries about Fassbinder and his film. This is a solid release from Wellspring that should be worthwhile for anyone with an appreciation for international cinema. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide