Amazon MGM Sets ‘Der Tiger’ as First Original For Release in Germany

Amazon MGM Studios has set “Der Tiger,” an anti-war drama directed by Dennis Gansel, as its first German original movie to get a local theatrical release.

Unfolding in 1943, “Der Tiger” tells the story of the five-man crew of a Nazi army Tiger tank, which is a type of German heavy tank used during World War II. They are sent on a secret mission far behind the fiercely contested Eastern front line. “Stimulated by the Wehrmacht’s methamphetamine, their mission increasingly becomes a journey into the heart of darkness,” says the provided synopsis.

Gansel is a Nazi-themed dramas specialist, having previously helmed “Napola” the 2004 film about an idealistic young boxer who becomes disillusioned with the Third Reich during his elite training, and “The Wave” a locally popular 2008 film about a high school history class experiment that goes awry, raising the question of whether a Third Reich-style regime could emerge again.

“Der Tiger,” which stars David Schütter, Laurence Rupp, Leonard Kunz, Sebastian Urzendowsky and Yoran Leicher in the main roles, will be going out in select venues that are part of Germany‘s CineStar theatre chain on Sept. 18 before dropping on Prime Video later this year.

The Amazon MGM German original is produced by Pantaleon Films, in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios Germany. The producers are Frank Kusche and Dan Maag. The “Der Tiger” screenplay was written by Dennis Gansel and Colin Teevan.

“‘Der Tiger’ will be our first German Original that we’re bringing to the big screen,” said Philip Pratt, head of German originals at Amazon MGM Studios, in a statament.

“When Dennis Gansel and producer Frank Kusche first presented the idea to us, we immediately knew we had to make it. This special film deserves the biggest stage. Dennis is not only an award-winning director, but with films like ‘Napola’ and ‘The Wave,’ he has proven that he has a special sensitivity for this subject matter,” he added.

Commented Gansel: “I am overjoyed that ‘Der Tiger’ will see the light of the big screen. This commitment to the quality of our film from Amazon MGM Studios and CineStar makes me, the entire cast, and crew very proud.”