Land of Silence and Darkness (1971)

Synopsis: Werner Herzog trains his camera on documentary subject Fini Straubinger in this exploratory look at her life as a kind hearted woman who is both deaf and blind. Straubinger has dedicated a large portion of her life caring for those who are similarly afflicted, and Herzog explicitly details... Werner Herzog trains his camera on documentary subject Fini Straubinger in this exploratory look at her life as a kind hearted woman who is both deaf and blind. Straubinger has dedicated a large portion of her life caring for those who are similarly afflicted, and Herzog explicitly details both her work and the people she works for. This leads to some harrowing scenes of people who encounter a daily struggle against the confines nature has imposed on them, but is ultimately a fine testament to the triumphant nature of the human spirit. Battling against infinitesimal problems, Herzog captures his subjects as they grapple with life, and are aided by Straubinger and others. Many poignant scenes unfold, reaffirming one's faith in humanity in this powerful addition to Herzog's cinematic canon. [More]