Die Mauer – Berlin '61
7.2/10
Rating
120 min
Runtime
2006
Release Year
Hartmut Schoen
Director
Cast
Iris Berben, Johanna Gastdorf, Heino Ferch, Inka Friedrich, Sybille J. Schedwill
Quick Synopsis
In August 1961, Hans Kuhlke, an East Berlin worker who lays plastic pipes, smuggles scrap metal to his friend Erwin Sawatzke in West Berlin to earn some West German currency. One evening, Hans and his wife visit the Sawatzkes' home in West Berlin, while their 14-year-old son Paul stays with a friend in East Berlin. That night, the political tension in Berlin escalates dramatically as the East German government closes the borders and begins constructing the Berlin Wall. When Paul's parents disappear amid these events, he is left conflicted between his family loyalty and his commitment to the ruling party. As he realizes the true nature of his position within the system, Paul's piano teacher takes him in, and together they plan an escape to West Berlin. Their attempt becomes a desperate race against time as the Wall's construction progresses.
Detailed Synopsis of Die Mauer – Berlin '61
August 1961: To earn a bit of West German money, East Berlin "plaselayer" Hans Kuhlke smuggles scrap metal to his friend Erwin Sawatzke in West Berlin. One evening, he and his wife are invited to the Sawatzkes' house. Meanwhile, their son Paul stays with a friend in East Berlin. On this summer night, the political situation in Berlin comes to a dramatic head: the borders are closed and the construction of the Wall is initiated. The disappearance of his parents leaves 14-year-old pioneer Paul torn between family ties and loyalty to the party. At the last second, he sees through his role in the system and is taken in by his piano teacher. Together they plan their escape to the West - but it turns into a race against time.
