It’s 1979, the height of the Cold War and two families look to escape the former East Germany in a home-made hot air balloon.
Based on a true story, friends Peter Strelzyk (Friedrich Mücke) and Günter Wetzel (David Kross), living in a small town of Pößneck close to the West German border, spend months preparing their escape. But when the first attempt goes wrong and with the State Police close on their heels, the two families make one last-ditch attempt.
It may be predictable but director Michael Herbig skilfully weaves a level of tension and suspense into a narrative that sees a determined yet humane Thomas Kretschmann as the Stasi officer relentless in his pursuit.
Rating: 65%
Director: Michael Herbig (Manitou’s Shoe, Buddy)
Writer: Kit Hopkins (Father’s Day, Mounted By the Gods), Thilo Röscheisen (Der Tüftler, Cargo), Michael Herbig (Manitou’s Shoe, Buddy)
Main cast: Friedrich Mücke (Friendship!, Alles ist Liebe), David Kross (The Keeper, The Reader), Thomas Kretschmann (The Avengers: Age of Ultron, Wanted)
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