Der Leibwächter

The plot centers on an undercover BKA officer who infiltrates a criminal drug cartel by becoming the bodyguard of a drug baron. His mission is to collect intelligence to bring down the organization. The operation takes a dire turn when he is exposed and nearly killed in Turkey. Surviving the attempt on his life, he returns determined to complete the assignment despite facing treachery within his own ranks.

Director Adolf Winkelmann, known for his work in German television and film, helmed this intense miniseries that blends crime, thriller, and drama elements over a substantial runtime of 207 minutes. The cast includes Franz Xaver Kroetz, Raymond Pellegrin, and Hanns Zischler among others, contributing strong performances to the layered narrative.

Produced by UFA Fernsehproduktion, Technisonor, and WDR, Der Leibwächter originally aired as a miniseries format, which allowed for a detailed exploration of character motivations and the complexities of undercover work. The production reflects late 1980s German television standards and storytelling style, making it a notable example of crime dramas from that era.

Collectors can find Der Leibwächter on DVD, the primary physical format available. For physical media enthusiasts interested in German crime dramas or miniseries, owning this title offers a look into the genre's television approach in the late 1980s. The lengthy runtime and intricate plot make it a substantial addition to collections focused on crime thrillers or German-language productions.