235. Balloon; movie review

BALLOON
Cert 12A
125 mins
BBFC advice: Contains moderate threat

This really is my bag. I have been fascinated by German politics since I was a student and have been to Berlin several times and visited both the Stasi museum and prison.
I am still agog that neighbours and even husbands and wives would spy on each other for the benefit of the communist state.
The population was split between those who were devoted to the German Democratic Republic and those who were desperate to escape to the West.
There were thousands of escape bids during the Communist era and many lost their lives at the hands of 'shoot first, ask questions later' border guards.
Those who were caught were sent to prison and their children were even given to other families.
Michael Herbig's film alights upon the true story of two families who believed that the risks were worth it.
It stars Friedrich Mücke and Karoline Schuch as the Strelzyks who, together with their friends, the Wetzels (David Kross and Alicia von Rittberg) plan to cross the border in a hot-air balloon.
Inevitably the barriers to a successful voyage, albeit a short one, are many and varied.
These include the science of having enough gas to inflate a big enough balloon to carry the couples and their children to safety.
Even more worrying is that a Stasi officer (Ronald Kukulies) lives over the road from the Strelzyks and their son (Jonas Holdenrieder) is seeing his daughter (Emily Kusche).
In a police state where spies are everywhere, organising such a flight is fraught with one misplaced word bound to prompt suspicion.
Therefore, Balloon concentrates on the pressures which surround both families as they wait for the precise weather needed to escape.
It reminded me of listening to the harrowing stories of former Stasi prisoners who were captured and tortured.
There is licence with elements of the real story of the Strelzyks and Wetzels, particularly the chase by the East German secret police.
But, in my view, it doesn't detract from what is an astonishing story - in fact, it even adds to the drama.
However, I suspect that anyone who isn't aware of Cold War history might say that the movie presumes too much knowledge.

Reasons to watch: One of the most daring escapes in history
Reasons to avoid: Requires greater explanation

Laughs: None
Jumps: One
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know? A new German study has put at 327 the number of people killed at the East German border during the Cold War. They include 262 who died at the Berlin Wall and 24 East German border guards who were shot while on duty.

The final word. Michael Herbig: “An unbelievable story, fantastic actors and a great team working with absolute dedication. This really was a very special and intriguing journey for me.”

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