The Tin Drum

Original title: Die Blechtrommel

1979
15
2h 22m

IMDb RATING

7.4/10

27K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

Play trailer1:29

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.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.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.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.4/10

27K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

3,164

2,967

See production info at IMDbPro

Won 1 Oscar
- 18 wins & 6 nominations total

Videos1

Trailer 1:29

The Tin Drum: The Criterion Collection

Photos96

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9:57

Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
David Bennent has a condition which caused him to grow very slowly. When he appeared in this film at age 11, he was 1.14 meters (3 ft. 9' in.) tall. He continued to grow to 1.55 m (5 ft. 1 in), and was still growing well into his thirties.

Goofs
While the German soldiers attack the Polish post office, one fires an MG42 machine gun from his shoulder. The German army didn't use that weapon before 1942. It's also not supposed to be fired while standing.

Quotes
Oskar Matzerath: There once was a drummer. His name was Oskar. He lost his poor mama, who had eat to much fish. There was once a credulous people... who believed in Santa Claus. But Santa Claus was really... the gas man! There was once a toy merchant. His name was Sigismund Markus... and he sold tin drums lacquered red and white. There was once a drummer. His name was Oskar. There was once a toy merchant... whose name was Markus... and he took all the toys in the world away with him.

Alternate versions
Although reluctant to do so the BBFC were forced to remove 19 secs from UK cinema and video versions under the Protection of Children Act to remove a scene showing Oskar pressing his face against Maria's pubic region. The cuts were waived in 2003 when it was decided that the scene did not constitute an indecent image.

Connections
Featured in Pieces of Silver (1989)

User reviews98

Featured review

7/10

In 1920s Germany...

... a boy decides to stop physically growing and remain three years old while his mind, already developed ahead of its time, continues to mature. His life continues, with his irritating drum and equally irritating scream that shatters glass (he can be adult but also revert to being a childish toddler). He has intimate relations with (much) older women! Lots of metaphor and messaging but is it or was it ever relevant? Art for arts sake and a hint of the emperors new clothes but a film you should definitely see for no other reason than to have an opinion.