Woman in Gold

Vienna, 1938. The air crackles with fear, the streets now draped with swastikas. Young Maria Altmann watches in horror as her family’s opulent home is ransacked by Nazi soldiers, their lives irrevocably shattered. Among the stolen treasures is a masterpiece, a shimmering portrait of her aunt, Adele Bloch-Bauer, painted by Gustav Klimt. Decades later, in a quiet Los Angeles suburb, an elderly Maria, now a refugee, confronts her past. Haunted by the injustice, she enlists the help of Randol Schoenberg, a young lawyer, to reclaim what was stolen. Together, they embark on a seemingly impossible quest, battling the powerful Austrian government and facing a legal system determined to bury the truth. As they dig deeper, aided by the investigative skills of Hubertus Czernin, they uncover secrets that reach far beyond a single painting, revealing a story of betrayal, loss, and the enduring fight for justice.

Movie Overview

Movie Cast

Storyline

In “Woman in Gold,” Maria Altmann, a determined octogenarian portrayed by Helen Mirren, embarks on a poignant journey to reclaim her family’s stolen Gustav Klimt painting, the iconic “Woman in Gold,” seized by the Nazis during World War II. Decades later, living in Los Angeles, Maria enlists the help of Randol Schoenberg, a young, initially hesitant lawyer played by Ryan Reynolds, whose own family history intertwines with the atrocities of the Holocaust. Together, they navigate the complex legal and political landscape of Austria, facing resistance from government officials clinging to the painting as a symbol of national pride. Flashbacks reveal the harrowing experiences of young Maria Altmann, embodied by Tatiana Maslany, and her family’s persecution in Vienna, including the forced departure of her husband, Fritz Altmann portrayed by Max Irons. The duo’s quest takes them through dusty archives and tense courtroom battles, as Randol meticulously builds their case, grappling with his professional inexperience and the emotional weight of Maria’s past. Their struggle intensifies when they reach the Austrian Supreme Court, where they must confront deeply ingrained prejudices and fight for justice against seemingly insurmountable odds. The culmination of their efforts leads them to the US Supreme Court, where, against all expectations, they secure a landmark victory, not only recovering the painting but also striking a blow against the lingering shadows of Nazi injustice and returning a symbol of beauty and family legacy to its rightful owner.

Details

In “Woman in Gold,” Maria Altmann, portrayed by Helen Mirren, an elderly Jewish refugee living in Los Angeles, embarks on a compelling journey to reclaim a painting of her aunt Adele Bloch-Bauer, a masterpiece by Gustav Klimt, infamously known as “Woman in Gold.” This iconic artwork was plundered by the Nazis during World War II, and Maria believes it rightfully belongs to her family. Partnering with Randol Schoenberg, played by Ryan Reynolds, a young and initially hesitant lawyer, Maria challenges the Austrian government, navigating complex legal battles across continents. The film interweaves Maria’s present-day fight with poignant flashbacks featuring Tatiana Maslany as young Maria and Max Irons as Fritz Altmann, depicting her harrowing experiences during the Nazi occupation of Vienna, including the loss of her family and the theft of their possessions. As Maria confronts Austria’s powerful institutions, she confronts not only legal hurdles but also deeply buried personal traumas and the collective guilt of a nation. Katie Holmes appears as Pam Schoenberg, Randol’s wife who provides him moral support as he takes on this daunting case. Through her relentless pursuit, Maria seeks not only to recover a priceless piece of art but also to obtain a measure of justice for the countless atrocities committed during the Holocaust and honor the memory of her family, making “Woman in Gold” a powerful story of remembrance, resilience, and the pursuit of what is rightfully yours.

FAQs

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What is the movie “Woman in Gold” about?

The movie is about Maria Altmann, an elderly Jewish refugee, who fights to reclaim a famous painting of her aunt stolen by the Nazis during World War II.

Who are the main actors in “Woman in Gold”?

The main actors are Helen Mirren as Maria Altmann and Ryan Reynolds as Randol Schoenberg.

What genre is “Woman in Gold”?

“Woman in Gold” is primarily a drama.

When was “Woman in Gold” released?

The movie was released on March 20, 2015.

What is the runtime of “Woman in Gold”?

The runtime of “Woman in Gold” is 109 minutes.

What is the tagline of “Woman in Gold”?

The tagline is “Justice is priceless.”

Who directed “Woman in Gold”?

Simon Curtis directed the movie.

What is the original language of the movie?

The original language of “Woman in Gold” is English.

What inspired “Woman in Gold”?

The movie is based on the true story of Maria Altmann’s legal battle to recover paintings stolen from her family by the Nazis.

Where was “Woman in Gold” produced?

The movie was primarily produced in the United Kingdom.

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