German Film “System Crasher” Set for Release in Japan, Portraying a Girl Adrift in Society

The German movie “System Crasher” (English title: System Crasher) is set to hit theaters across the country on Saturday, April 27.

Derived from a term describing uncontrollable and aggressive children, the title reflects those who move between institutions due to their disruptive behavior. Nora Fingscheidt, making her feature film debut, directed and wrote the film. The inspiration for this project struck her while filming a documentary on homeless shelter life, where she learned about the existence of these “system crashers.

The film depicts how “a change” occurs in Benny, a 9-year-old girl who is moved from foster home to foster home, group home, etc., through three weeks of isolation therapy in a mountain cabin with a nonviolent trainer, Micha. Helena Zenger, who was 10 years old when the film was shot, and Albrecht Schiff played Benny and Micha, respectively. The film won a total of eight awards at the German Film Awards 2020, including Best Film, Best Actress, and Best Actor. She became the youngest ever winner of the Best Actress award.

Along with the announcement of the Japanese release of the film, a teaser poster and a special video were also released. The special report includes scenes of Benny causing problems at the facility, spending lively time at a mountain cabin, and crying out “Mom! and crying out with a sad expression on his face.