Who Killed Walter Benjamin… (2005): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2005, Who Killed Walter Benjamin… is a history and documentary film directed by David Mauas, running about 73 minutes. “… not just a reconstruction of a death but the living portrait of the scene of the crime.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Philosopher Walter Benjamin (1892-1940), a German Jew, flees Germany in 1932, during the turmoil preceding Adolf Hitler's definitive rise to power. On September 26, 1940, he dies in Portbou, a small village on the French-Spanish border. The unexplained end of a man who managed to avoid a horrible fate just to face death in very mysterious circumstances.

Who’s in it. Who Killed Walter Benjamin… stars Juan Ramón Capella as Himself, Félix de Azúa as Himself, Stéphane Hessel as Himself and Dani Karavan as Himself, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, Who Killed Walter Benjamin… has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Who Killed Walter Benjamin… page.

If you liked it. Fans of Who Killed Walter Benjamin… tend to enjoy Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Hacksaw Ridge and Green Book.