Alice in the Cities

Alice in the Cities

Year: 1974

Runtime: 110 min

Language: German

Director: Wim Wenders

Drama

A German journalist finds his life unexpectedly changed when he accompanies a young girl on a journey across Italy. They set out to locate her grandparents, sharing intimate moments and experiences as they travel. Along the way, they confront themes of loneliness, family, and the search for connection, ultimately finding solace and unexpected bonds in their shared adventure.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Alice in the Cities yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Alice in the Cities (1974)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Alice in the Cities (1974). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The narrative unfolds in modern times, reflecting the contemporary societal challenges of travel and family. Themes of disconnection and the search for belonging are prevalent, highlighting the struggles faced by individuals in a fast-paced world. The characters navigate their emotional landscapes without the constraints of a specific historical context.

Location

New York City, Amsterdam, Wuppertal, Ruhr area, Munich

The film takes the audience through vibrant settings such as New York City, known for its iconic skyline and bustling atmosphere, and Amsterdam, famous for its canals and rich culture. The characters also journey through Wuppertal and the Ruhr area, which showcase the industrial heart of Germany. Ultimately, the story leads them to Munich, a city known for its history, art, and the famous Oktoberfest.

🏙️ City 🌍 Travel 🇩🇪 Germany 🇺🇸 USA

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

Main Characters – Alice in the Cities (1974)

Meet the key characters of Alice in the Cities (1974), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Philip Winter

Philip is a writer caught in a bind due to missed deadlines and unfulfilled aspirations. Initially self-absorbed, he undergoes a transformation as he learns to care for Alice. His character evolves from a disenchanted traveler to a more empathetic figure with a sense of responsibility.

✍️ Writer 🇩🇪 German 🧳 Traveler

Alice

Alice is a young girl with a playful spirit and a determination to reunite with her family. Her innocent curiosity drives the narrative, prompting her companion Philip to confront his own shortcomings. Despite her young age, Alice shows resilience and adaptability.

👧 Child 🌈 Playful 🧩 Resilient

Lisa van Dam

Lisa is a mother navigating her own struggles, represented through her relationship with Philip and her daughter. She embodies the complexity of familial duties and the strains of personal issues. Her character highlights the challenges parents face in volatile situations.

👩‍👧 Mother 🇩🇪 German 💔 Struggle

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

Major Themes – Alice in the Cities (1974)

Explore the central themes of Alice in the Cities (1974), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👨‍👧 Family Bonds

The movie dive deep into the theme of family, exploring the bonds between parents and children amid chaos. As Philip finds himself responsible for Alice, their relationship develops from inconvenience to genuine connection. Through shared experiences, they forge a familial bond that transcends their initial circumstances.

🌍 Exploration

Exploration is central to the film, both physically and emotionally, as characters travel through various cities. Their journey emphasizes the importance of curiosity and discovery, not just of places but also of themselves. Alice's eagerness to explore reflects a youthful spirit, while Philip’s reluctance evolves into a willingness to embrace new experiences.

💔 Struggle and Growth

The film portrays the struggle faced by Philip as he grapples with personal responsibilities against his aspirations. Philip’s journey is marked by frustration and moments of empathy, leading to profound personal growth. This struggle reminds viewers that growth often stems from overcoming difficulties and unexpected challenges.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

Unlock the Full Story of Alice in the Cities

Don't stop at just watching — explore Alice in the Cities in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Alice in the Cities is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Alice in the Cities Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Alice in the Cities, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Alice in the Cities Summary

Alice in the Cities Timeline

Track the full timeline of Alice in the Cities with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Alice in the Cities Timeline

More About Alice in the Cities

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Alice in the Cities: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Alice in the Cities

Similar Movies to Alice in the Cities

Discover movies like Alice in the Cities that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.