Balloon

Movie

2018

2h 5m

German

Drama, History, Thriller

User Score:

7.7

Critic Score:

Watch on Kanopy

Two families attempt a daredevil plan to escape the GDR with a homemade hot air balloon, but it crashes just before the border. The Stasi finds traces of this attempt to escape and immediately starts investigations, while the two families are forced to build a new escape bal...

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Balloon

Movie

2018

2h 5m

German

Drama, History, Thriller

Play Trailer

Watch on Kanopy

WATCHMODE

7.7

IMDB

CRITIC SCORE

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Cast

Doris Strelzyk

Peter Strelzyk

Petra Wetzel

Günter Wetzel

Frank Strelzyk

Andreas 'Fitscher' Strelzyk

Thomas Kretschmann

Oberstleutnant Seidel

Ronald Kukulies

Erik Baumann

Emily Kusche

Klara Baumann

Ulrich Brandhoff

Oberstleutnant Tornow

Oberfeldwebel Lesch

Leutnant Strehle

Oberst Witzke

Hauptmann Heym

Gefreiter Kenner

Werner Meissner (SED-Kreisleiter)

Peterchen Wetzel

Andreas Wetzel

Günters Stiefvater

Kindergärtnerin (Ulrike Piehl)

Eli Wasserscheid

Beate Baumann

Peter Trabner

Apotheker

Tilo Keiner

Diensthabender Offizier

Nadja Engel

Günters Mutter

Thomas Kress

Westpolizist

Directed By: Michael Herbig

Written By: Michael Herbig (Screenplay), Thilo Röscheisen (Screenplay), + 1 more

Featured Comments/Tips

RedxEaglez says...

2 years ago

Great film. Not only does it perform well due to the incredible team behind it’s direction, soundscaping and cinematography, but the story is told in such a way that, while it is dramatised, it brings a real sense of authenticity to the story which it is based on. The struggle of those involved is really brought to life and this film sheds a light on a piece of history which everyone should learn about. My only problem were some slightly over-exaggerated scenes which involved some unnecessary tension. However, the film provided a strong beginning and incredible climax which can’t be called anything but brilliant.

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Saint Pauly says...

6 years ago

When you sit down for a 2-hour film and the first 10 minutes are gorgeous, you settle in, content and totally open to the cinematic experience you're about to savour. If it were just the (true) story of the East German family racing the Stasi to escape to the west, the film would've been intriguing. Or if it were just a film that was technically well made with a strong directorial hand (:clap_tone3: Michael Bully Herbig), lush cinematography (:clap_tone3: Torsten Breuer), and flawless soundscaping (:clap_tone3: Marvin Miller and Ralf Wengenmayr) then it would've been engaging. But combine both of these elements and you have an artful film, because it is both skilfully made and full of art. A strong recommend. PS Be sure to stay for the credits to see the actual photographs of those involved and their exploits.

Like - Dislike - Comment - 10 0

TheLazyReviewer says...

9 months ago

Film 76 (Goal: 300) of 2024 I can't remember what brought Balloon to my attention but I was immediately drawn in from the beautiful poster (posters matter people) and the interesting synopsis. However it's sat idle on my watchlist until a departure warning jolted me into gear. And I'm really grateful for that because Balloon is an amazing, harrowing, nerve racking film that I couldn't turn away from. Balloon worked for me on every level, from the family and residential drama, to the window of opportunity becoming smaller. I was hooked. One of the best films I've seen lately.

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faithful soul says...

4 years ago

An inspirational true story though it takes a long time to truly soar. Still fascinating though.

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