The Robber 2011
Directed by
Benjamin Heisenberg
Made by
Kino International
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Robber (2011). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
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.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Robber (2011) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Johann's Release from Prison
Johann is released on parole after serving time for attempted armed robbery. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life, though he remains haunted by his criminal past.
Return to Crime
Almost immediately after his release, Johann reverts to a life of crime. He commits a series of bank robberies, armed with a shotgun and donning a mask to hide his identity from the authorities.
New Relationship with Erika
Johann moves in with Erika, a compassionate social worker and friend who seeks to help him reform. Their friendship gradually evolves into a romantic relationship, offering Johann a glimpse of a different life.
Marathon Success
As part of his path to redemption, Johann participates in several marathons, achieving impressive victories. These successes earn him the admiration of those around him, including his parole officer.
Discovery of Hidden Loot
Erika grows increasingly suspicious of Johann’s activities and eventually discovers the hidden loot beneath his bed. Confronting him about the reality of his situation, she encourages him to change his ways.
Parole Officer's Concern
After Johann neglects to check in for weeks, his parole officer pays him a visit following a marathon. Concerned for Johann's welfare, he expresses his worries, which leads to a volatile confrontation.
Parole Officer Murdered
In a fit of rage and desperation, Johann brutally bludgeons his parole officer to death with a trophy he had won. This act of violence marks a significant turning point as his life spirals further out of control.
Betrayal by Erika
Erika, heartbroken and distressed by Johann's actions, decides to turn him in. This betrayal occurs during a final meeting, where Johann's past catches up to him in a devastating way.
Nationwide Manhunt
After being betrayed, Johann escapes through a window, igniting a nationwide manhunt. He becomes a fugitive, fleeing on foot as law enforcement intensifies their pursuit.
Injury and Desperation
While hiding out in an old man's house, Johann is unexpectedly stabbed while trying to restrain him. This injury worsens as he continues to flee from the authorities.
Fleeing in a Stolen Car
After his injury, Johann steals the old man's car and drives frantically away, trying to escape his pursuers. He soon becomes aware of a helicopter hot on his trail, heightening his desperation.
Vehicle Switch at Rest Stop
At a rest stop, Johann makes a desperate decision to swap cars with unsuspecting motorists in a bid to evade capture. However, his injury continues to take its toll on him.
Calling Erika
Realizing the severity of his wound as he loses consciousness, Johann pulls over to call Erika. He asks her to stay on the line, seeking solace in her voice as he grapples with his mortality.
Final Moments
In his final moments, Johann dies with Erika's voice in his ear. This poignant scene marks the tragic end of his tumultuous journey, filled with lost chances and unfulfilled dreams.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Robber (2011) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Johann
Johann is a conflicted character, marked by his past mistakes and a burning desire for redemption. As a convicted felon turned marathon runner, his duality is evident in his struggle to balance his criminal instincts with the hope for a better life. His tragic downfall underscores the complexities of human nature and the effects of societal judgment.
Erika
Erika is a compassionate social worker who becomes entangled in Johann's life. Her nurturing disposition initially attracts Johann, providing him a glimpse of normalcy and love. However, her gradual disillusionment with his secrets reveals her strength, culminating in a poignant decision to confront him about his life choices.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Robber (2011), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie's timeframe appears contemporary, aligning with modern societal issues such as crime and rehabilitation. It reflects a time when personal struggles and societal pressures intertwine, leading individuals down complex paths that challenge the notion of redemption.
Location
City, Marathon Course, Old Man's House
The movie takes place in an unnamed city characterized by its urban landscape, where the excitement of bank heists unfolds. The marathon course represents a stark contrast to Johann's darker actions, showcasing his athletic prowess. The old man's house serves as a pivotal location where Johann's desperation increases, ultimately leading to fate-shaping encounters.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Robber (2011). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
🔄
Redemption
The theme of redemption is central to Johann's journey as he grapples with his criminal past while attempting to reform through his relationship with Erika. Despite moments of triumph, Johann's inability to fully escape his former life highlights the challenges of change and the consequences of one's choices.
💔
Betrayal
Betrayal plays a key role in the narrative, particularly within Johann and Erika's relationship. Her discovery of his criminal activities leads to an emotional confrontation, signifying the fragility of trust and the weight of secrets that can unravel even the strongest connections.
💨
Desperation
Desperation permeates Johann's actions as he resorts to crime despite newfound success. The urgency of his flight from the law underscores a frantic struggle for survival, reflecting the intense psychological toll that his choices exact on him.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.