The Robber 2011

Johann, portrayed by Andreas Lust, is a convicted felon and marathon runner recently released on parole after serving time for attempted armed robbery. Almost immediately upon his release, he resorts to his old ways, committing bank robberies armed with a shotgun and wearing a mask to conceal his identity. In a surprising turn of events, he moves in with Erika, a young social worker and friend, played by Franziska Weisz. Their friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship, and Johann experiences newfound success as he wins multiple marathons, impressing even his parole officer.

However, Johann’s criminal past catches up with him. As he continues his spree of robberies, Erika grows suspicious of him. Upon discovering his hidden loot beneath his bed, she confronts him and ultimately asks him to leave, encouraging him with the hopeful message that change is possible. Weeks pass with Johann neglecting to contact his parole officer, prompting the officer to visit him after a marathon to express his concerns. When confronted, Johann’s frustration boils over, leading him to brutally bludgeon his parole officer to death with the trophy he won.

In a final meeting with Erika, Johann finds himself cornered. He is arrested in the hotel room where he had stashed his stolen money after being betrayed by a heartbroken Erika, who turns him in. While being handed a confession to sign, Johann pulls off an audacious escape through a window, igniting a nationwide manhunt as he flees on foot. In desperate need of shelter, he takes refuge in an old man’s house. However, while attempting to restrain him, the old man unexpectedly stabs Johann with a concealed pocket knife.

Fleeing in the old man’s car, Johann drives frantically until he spots a helicopter in pursuit. In a last-ditch effort to evade capture, he switches vehicles with some unsuspecting motorists at a rest stop. But as he continues his escape, his injury begins to take its toll, leading him to lose consciousness. Realizing the gravity of his wound, he pulls over, calls Erika, and asks her to stay on the line. In a poignant moment, as he takes his final breaths, he dies with her voice in his ear, the echo of his life slipping away like a fleeting whisper.