Tattoo (2002 film)

Last updated
Tattoo
Tattoogermanfilm.jpg
DVD cover
Directed by Robert Schwentke
Written byRobert Schwentke
StarringChristian Redl
August Diehl
Nadeshda Brennicke
CinematographyJan Fehse
Edited by Peter Przygodda
Music by Martin Todsharow
Production
company
Distributed byAmerican Vitagraph
Release date
  • 4 April 2002 (2002-04-04)
Running time
108 minutes
CountryGermany
LanguagesGerman
English
Japanese

Tattoo is a 2002 German thriller film written and directed by Robert Schwentke.

Contents

Plot

Marc Schrader, a rookie cop caught red-handed with drugs in a police raid of an illegal rave, joins a homicide investigation conducted by Chief Inspector Minks. The victim is a naked young woman with the skin stripped off her back, killed as she staggered into traffic.

As Schrader and Minks investigate the murder, the case is complicated by a finger found in the stomach of the victim. Forensic examination proves the finger belongs to Nobert Günzel, who was previously convicted of rape and assault. The police raid Günzel’s residence, and discover a blood-stained table with restraints and bits of human flesh in his basement. They also find video equipment and preserved, tattooed skin from the victim’s back. Soon, they find dead bodies buried in the garden. Günzel then goes missing.

As the complex investigation progresses, Schrader discovers Mink has a personal stake in the investigation; he wants to find the missing daughter of an old friend. He realizes later that the missing girl is actually Mink’s runaway daughter. As the body count rises, the duo has to come to terms with their inner demons, and the truth is much darker than it seems.

The plot resembles the Roald Dahl short story "Skin." [1]

Cast

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References

  1. "While the subject of people being murdered for their tattoos is not new (Roald Dahl's short-story "Skin" covers the same ground), the film's plot is gripping and effectively told." review, cf. Roald Dahl's "Skin"