Maria Braun is a fictional character from the 1979 film "The Marriage of Maria Braun," directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. The film is set in post-World War II Germany and follows Maria's life as she navigates love, loss, and survival in a rapidly changing society. Maria is portrayed by actress Hanna Schygulla, who delivers a powerful performance that captures the struggles of a woman trying to find her place in a male-dominated world. The film is part of Fassbinder's "BRD Trilogy," which explores themes of identity, power, and the impact of history on personal lives.