Der Tunnel (2001)

During the Cold War, Germany was divided into two states - East and West. This epic story tells about their dramatic connections.

Director:

Roland Suso Richter

Writer:

Johannes W. Betz

Stars:

Heino Ferch, Nicolette Krebitz, Sebastian Koch

11 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Heino Ferch	...	Harry Melchior
Nicolette Krebitz	...	Friederike 'Fritzi' Scholz
Sebastian Koch	...	Matthis Hiller
Alexandra Maria Lara	...	Charlotte 'Lotte' Lohmann
Claudia Michelsen	...	Carola Langensiep
Felix Eitner	...	Fred von Klausnitz
Mehmet Kurtulus	...	Vittorio 'Vic' Castanza
Heinrich Schmieder	...	Theo Lohmann
Uwe Kockisch	...	Oberst Krüger
Karin Baal	...	Marianne von Krausnitz
Dorothea Moritz	...	Hermine
Wolf-Dietrich Sprenger	...	Fotograf Grüner
Florian Panzner	...	Heiner
Sarah Kubel	...	Ina Lohmann
Ruth Glöss	...	Mutter Fritzi

Storyline

Based on a true story a group of East Berliners escaping to the West. Harry Melchior was a champion East German swimmer at odds with the system under which he has already been imprisoned. On his own escape, he is determined the arrange the escape to the West of his sister and her family. The idea of the tunnel is born, but the project does not run smoothly. The participants struggle not only with the massive logistics of their task, but betrayal from friends in the East. And always the East German police are close to discovering the plot.

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Plot Keywords:

based on true story | escape | police | tunnel | pubic hair | 

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Taglines:

Berlin. 1961. The true story of a flight to freedom.

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Genres:

Drama | History | Thriller

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Did You Know?

Alternate Versions

German DVD version runs for ca. 150 minutes, ca. 40 minutes shorter than the TV version.

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Connections

References The Misfits (1961)

User Reviews

a document of history, of permanent emotions at the Berlin Wall

Berlin, Germany, 1961. Mothers and daughters, Fathers and sons, neighbors and friends were torn apart in one night, when the Berlin Wall was built. A hand full of people dug a tunnel under the Wall from the French Sector into the East to save 30. Permanent emotions, especially at the end of the movie. Excellent.

Details

Official Sites:

Home Vision Entertainment VII Pillars

Country:

Germany

Language:

German

Release Date:

21 January 2001 (Germany)

Also Known As:

The Tunnel

Filming Locations:

Berlin, Germany

Box Office

Budget:

$7,100,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,127, 1 May 2005

Gross USA:

$46,296

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$115,112

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sat.1, teamWorx Television & Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

150 min 188 min (2 parts) 167 min (theatrical)

Sound Mix:

Dolby DTS

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1