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The Tin Drum poster

The Tin Drum (1979)

“A savage, sweeping epic of society in chaos.”

7.0/10 · 562 votes 2h 42m r DramaHistoryWar

#19 of 32 films from 1979 #1884 of 3759 in drama

Directed by Volker Schlöndorff · Written by Jean-Claude Carrière, Volker Schlöndorff, Günter Grass, Franz Seitz Junior

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

In 1924, Oskar Matzerath is born in the Free City of Danzig. At age three, he falls down a flight of stairs and stops growing. In 1939, World War II breaks out.

Cast

Mario Adorfas Alfred Matzerath
Angela Winkleras Agnes Matzerath
David Bennentas Oskar Matzerath
Katharina Thalbachas Maria Matzerath
Daniel Olbrychskias Jan Bronski
Tina Engelas Young Anna Koljaiczek
Berta Drewsas Anna Koljaiczek
Roland Teubneras Joseph Koljaiczek
Tadeusz Kunikowskias Uncle Vinzenz
Andréa Ferréolas Lina Greff
Heinz Bennentas Greff
Ilse Pagéas Gretchen Scheffler
Werner Rehmas Scheffler
Käte Jaenickeas Mother Truczinski

Facts

Release dateMay 2, 1979
Runtime162 min (2h 42m) — longer as the 1979 average of 113 min
GenresDrama, History, War
Original titleDie Blechtrommel
LanguageDE
Budget$3,000,000
Box office$17,000,000 (5.7× budget)
IMDbtt0078875

If you liked The Tin Drum

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Questions

How long is The Tin Drum?
The Tin Drum runs 162 minutes (2h 42m), which is long for a drama — plan for it.
Is The Tin Drum worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7/10 across 562 votes, which places it #19 of 32 films released in 1979 in this index (top 44%) and #1884 among 3759 drama titles.
Who directed The Tin Drum?
The Tin Drum was directed by Volker Schlöndorff.
Who stars in The Tin Drum?
Mario Adorf as Alfred Matzerath; Angela Winkler as Agnes Matzerath; David Bennent as Oskar Matzerath; Katharina Thalbach as Maria Matzerath; Daniel Olbrychski as Jan Bronski; Tina Engel as Young Anna Koljaiczek.
What is The Tin Drum rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Tin Drum?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/56525.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.