5. Der Tunnel (The Tunnel)
Year 2001,
Director Roland Suso Richter,
Starring Heino Ferch, Sebastian Koch, Alexandra Maria Lara, Nicolette Krebitz. Made for German television, though eventually followed with a theatrical release, The Tunnel channels elements of The Great Escape, focusing on a project to tunnel underneath the Berlin Wall that separated the communist East from the capitalist West. Central to this is Ferchs Harry Melchior and his friend Matthis, successful escapees from the East who are determined to have their respective families join them, formulating a small group of people with similar intentions to create the titular tunnel, though not everything goes to plan in a story that incorporates both tragedy and betrayal. Running at just over two and a half hours, the film offers an enjoyable insight into both the disparities that plagued a divided Germany throughout the Cold War and an activity that countless East Germans attempted over a twenty seven period in search of a better life.