That Trip We Took with Dad (2016) Movie Script
German-Romanian Highschool
Stalinists retire
DUBEK sets us free too
Who did that?
Don't know. I haven't seen anyone.
It happened too fast.
But you must have seen them!
THAT TRIP WE TOOK WITH DAD
Based on a true story
Arad, Socialist Republic of Romania
August 1968
Press here!
Step on the scale!
- What's your name?
- Reinholtz, Emil.
Well, I left the bike right here...
I leaned it...
and I was about to go up the stairs
when suddenly I heard someone running.
I think you're mocking us.
First, you make up stories, then
you try to fool the gatekeeper, too.
Let it be, Comrade Renner.
Call the pupils for inspection.
Line up all the pupils!
Inspect clothes,
hands and hair for paint.
- Good day, young ladies.
- Good day.
Comrade Renner would like
to ask you some questions.
But we don't know anything,
didn't see anything.
That's why you should go downstairs
and report to Comrade Renner.
- Of course. Yes.
- Thank you.
- Now?
- Yes.
Have a good day.
Have a good day.
- Close the door, will you?
- Yes, of course.
Well, I find the scribble
on the wall ridiculous.
Stalin is long gone.
How could he retire?
Mihai, what he wrote doesn't matter.
What matters is that he wrote it.
The axe must be laid to the root
of the tree when it's still small,
cause if it grows,
it will be too late!
Don't you realize what happens
if they find out
that your brother painted
subversive propaganda on the walls?
Alright.
Here's what I think:
I think, I've done enough for you
and your family. I got you a job here.
Otherwise you would've worked...
in the countryside for 3 years,
as the Party requires.
I struggled to get you passports.
It wasn't easy for folks like you.
And you do what? Your reports
are worthless. Waste of paper!
You think I didn't notice?
Mihai, you must give me a name
till tomorrow.
If it's not you're brother,
find someone else.
Give me a name to write in my report!
If they come from Bucharest,
we'll both be in big trouble.
Hands up! Surrender!
We've caught the traitor,
Comrade General!
I'm Comrade General, Leutenant,
Colonel of the Soviet Union!
Salute now!
- Dudu, stop this nonsense!
- Salute at once!
Salute or you won't pass!
- We catch all traitors!
- And execute them!
- What are you doing?
- Crepes Suzette flambe!
- Why?
- I'm hungry!
- We still have bread from yesterday.
- That's why!
Please dad, sit down!
- And where the hell is the little one?
- I don't know.
Emil!
"Let's listen to a song
from our Czechoslovakian friends."
Last week Chriac aired the Beatles
and said they were a Hungarian band
that sang in English.
These censorship idiots
can't even tell the difference between
the Beatles and a Hungarian band.
Chiriac really has balls.
I might send him one of my songs
after the holiday.
- Really?
- Yeah.
- Would you be proud of me?
- Are you kidding me?
Of course.
You on the radio?!
I really think we can change things,
Neli.
Take the Czechs for example.
Can't we do the same?
Speed up!
The Romanian troops are pushing back,
back and back
the traitorous Soviet troops...
to the most distant places.
- The Soviets are not traitors!
- Sure they are!
Mom!
He says the Soviets are traitors!
Don't bother, honey.
He'll regret it sooner or later.
Hello!
Pancakes?
Yummy!
Where the hell have you been?
- The club.
- Where?
At the Pioneer's Club.
Now I'm not even allowed to cook
anymore!
Why?
Go to the bathroom right now!
We wash our hands first!
Are you fucking crazy?
Have you lost your minds?
You wanna spoil it all?
What did you do there?
We wanted to say
what needed to be said.
Really? Do you have any idea
in what trouble you've got me?
If they don't let us leave anymore,
Dad will die, you idiot!
- The gatekeeper didn't see us!
- But I did!
Tell them you didn't recognize anyone.
- That they weren't from our school.
- Shut up!
I'm sorry. I'm sorry,
I thought you'd come later.
Vaccinations should've started
at 9 a.m.
The hell you did!
- Did you bring the suitcases?
- Yes.
- What about the car?
- Everything's ready.
I won't be any good on this trip.
It'll do you good, Tata.
Fresh air. Lots to see.
Your head pressure will ease up.
You should be happy.
Of course, I'm happy.
I see all things double.
Twice the Zwinger, twice the Wartburg.
How couldn't I be happy?
"Neli..."
"Just come with me."
"We'd both fly..."
"Far away from here."
You'd play the piano here.
- "As long as you're with me..."
- Well...?
"There is no reason..."
- Close the window!
- "For you to look back..."
The neighbours are sleeping.
Breathe! Breathe!
It hurts. I know.
Good God, his ribs are surely broken.
He can't breathe!
- Catalin, honey, can you breathe?
- Please! You're not allowed here!
See what they did to him!
- They were just drunk, mom.
- They weren't drunk, Catalin!
Calm down! Screams don't help.
Please!
- Slowly, slowly...
- Where does it hurt?
Breathe in, breathe out slowly.
Will you?
Now!
How many drunkards were there?
- Let's give him some morphine.
- Three or four...
- Why?
- Go bring it!
Well, if you say so...
I was alone on the street.
Suddenly a van came...
They've pulled me in
and started beating me.
The gatekeeper must have seen us
after all.
I don't see why we don't leave tomorrow
as planned?
The sooner we go,
the longer the holiday.
Hi!
Hi!
Come on.
We're leaving!
Take this.
- What's this?
- I won't tell you.
Just go!
But you'll come back, won't you?
What do you think?
I've got something new.
Wanna hear it?
"All the activists
and the Stalinists..."
"Pull this country down."
"Czechs and Slovaks
you are our brothers."
"Let Dubek come to us, too!"
"Kalinka, Kalinka, Kalinka moya!
No more Stalinists in my country."
Very nice.
But don't ever play it again!
Someone has snitched on Catalin.
They were waiting for him on the street.
The Securitate car was already there.
Which Catalin?
Maybe you should ask your son
what he's got to do with it.
I'm listening.
Reinholtz, Emil?
On Monday we expressed our solidarity
with the Czechs.
You painted "Stalinists retire!"
And "Dubek, come here, too!"
- "Dubek set us free, too!"
- Have you lost your mind?
Risking your graduation
and university admission?
And ending up like me?
Damn it!
Nobody saw us.
- Only the gatekeeper.
- And you!
It's really amazing.
The way the Czechoslovakians
adore Dubek, you mean?
There's never been
something like this before.
I wonder how long the Soviets
will let the Czechs play freedom.
I just bought the Stones
and the Beatles! Just like that!
They have a box of records next to
photos of Dubek. It's incredible!
Let's go!
I want to get over the border today.
Good evening.
Passports, please.
The reason for your entry into
the German Democratic Republic?
Vacation.
- Anything to declare?
- No.
What's that?
Get out and show me!
Hurry up!
Comrade Habicht, come here please.
Do you know the Beatles, comrade?
The Beatles are labelled class enemies,
I know, but...
Shut the fuck up!
They have a song about a street
called "Penny Lane",
where there's a barber who cuts hair,
just like here.
Or "Strawberry Fields Forever"
is about fields of strawberries.
They're singing about
collectivized farming.
Inspect all their luggage!
Sorry, Comrade Commander. Obviously
we didn't inform ourselves enough.
Please take these as a gift
for the German-Romanian friendship.
Why did we have 8 bottles of cognac,
Mihai?!
They were for the assistants.
Had Emil kept his mouth shut for once!
- What assistants?
- You cause nothing but trouble!
All the stupid shit you do!
Catalin's bruises are your fault, too!
I'd never snitch on somebody! Do you
give them detailed written reports, too?
Get out!
Let's go out!
Let's go out!
Who's responsible for the whole mess?!
They didn't want to give us passports
thanks to your stupid actions!
They forced me to give them a name!
They didn't believe that I hadn't seen
anyone! Do you understand?
- Dresden is Tata's last chance!
- What's going on?
This isn't a vacation.
I would've told you tomorrow.
We're going to see Prof. Thalheim.
If all goes well,
they'll operate on you this week.
- He's been planning this for weeks.
- Since the beginning of the year.
Thalheim agreed to treat you, Tata.
Do you know what that means?
- That's why you snitched on that boy?
- That you still have a chance.
- Answer my question!
- What else am I supposed to do?
Let you die in misery?
The medicine helps less and less.
In just a couple of month
the hydrocephalus will do this
to your brain!
No! No surgery for me!
Not for this price!
- You're dying, Tata!
- We'll drive back home in the morning.
But now we're already here!
If they find out that he secretly
arranged a surgery in Dresden
and they will find out!
They always do!
Then they'll have him
under their thumb forever!
We're turning back tomorrow.
End of discussion!
Tata, please. Tata!
Wouldn't you like to drive again?
Well...
I'm still capable.
Watch out!
Tata, calm down!
What the hell?
Calm down! Calm down!
They can't just invade like that.
This isn't the 1950s.
- Oh, no, no, no!
- What's going on again?
Passports please.
Are the tanks driving
to Czechoslovakia, comrade?
- Please follow us.
- Wait! Why?
- What's going on, comrade?
- You'll be informed inside.
Where the hell are we?
German, Russian, Czech, Hungarian?
- We all speak German.
- Right then.
- Grab your suitcases! Follow me!
- One moment, comrades.
Could you be so kind and explain to me
and my boys what this is about?
We cannot answer any questions.
- You're from Romania?
- Yes, from Arad.
And where are you from, comrade?
From around this region.
But you wouldn't know it: Elsterwerda.
Lower Lusatia!
We were just heading there for vacation.
- Comrade, why are we getting arrested?
- We're not arresting anyone.
You took our passports
and brought us here.
It's for your own safety.
- We felt very safe until now.
- Please, Tata.
Comrade, how long must we stay here...
for our safety?
We can't provide any information
for now.
Lieutenant Rhmrich, let it be. No need
to scare people in such a situation.
- See how they're doing in the kitchen.
- Yes, Captain Heinrichs.
Please.
Hat's your shelter until the situation
has calmed down.
There are mattresses back there.
Blankets are over there.
And you'll be called to meals.
Soviet tanks in Czechoslovakia...
That's not a "situation".
- Tata, please stop.
- Well, that's enough for now.
Excuse me, comrade.
- Do you speak German?
- Yes!
When could we please make a phone call?
- I don't understand a word.
- The lady needs to make a phone call.
There is currently no possibility.
But in one hour you'll all
be called for dinner.
He says they'll call us for dinner.
We're asking about a phone call
and he is talking about food.
- We left our child with somebody.
- I need insulin urgently!
Please tell him that we'd like
to contact the Romanian Embassy.
- Great idea!
- We should have thought sooner.
We're just tourists.
What have we done wrong?
Shut the fuck up!
We're being watched!
Folks, let's keep calm!
Would keep calm if you had a baby
at home?
- Or my diabetes?
- Okay, calm down everyone!
- Comrade, what's your name?
- Reinholtz, Mihai.
Comrade Reinholtz, make a list
of what your compatriots need.
We'll take care of it.
Have the list on my desk
in half an hour.
- What did he say?
- To make a list.
- But he owns us answers!
- Bravo, young man!
Excuse us.
We must find a place to sleep.
- Write down what you need.
- We'll make a list.
Come now, Tata.
- Excuse me. Captain Heinrichs' office?
- Over there.
Here is Radio RIAS Berlin.
The voice of the free world.
Come. Come in!
Give it to me.
- Toothpaste, charcoal tablets...
- Please sit down.
- And what is "Algocalmin"?
- Pain killers.
If you can't find any,
I should have some in the car.
- I'm a doctor.
- Oh, that's good to know.
Well, I'll see what I can do.
Anything else?
Comrades... my father is sick.
He'll get surgery in Dresden in 2 days.
It is extremely important that we...
I... I thought you'd like cognac.
We're on duty.
We'll see what we can do.
- How come you speak German so well?
- We're Germans. Danube Swabians.
Comrade Heinrichs,
this young man's situation is special.
We do as follows:
You keep an eye on the Romanians.
You're a doctor.
You made this list well.
Ask them how they are,
what troubles them. Nothing special.
And we'll take care of you
and your father.
All right?
Yes.
You can leave the cognac here.
- Sorry, no time for this.
- Let's clarify this peacefully.
- It's for your own safety.
- Surely a misunderstanding!
- Take the suitcase and follow us.
- I refuse to follow you.
- Let go of my suitcase!
- Blaschke! Gnther!
Listen,
you can't just take my passport,
pull my car here and detain me here
against my will!
Listen! I'm from West Germany!
You can't treat me like this!
At least have the decency
to speak to me when I talk to you!
Get in!
"Citizens of Prague are asked to stay
calm, show no resistance so that"
"the Soviet invaders see that they're
not fighting a counter-revolution."
I'd like to talk to you
about the surgery.
In Dresden, they got a new system...
They'll never let us go
to make it on time.
I'll try to contact Dr. Thalheim.
Hello.
Are these seats free?
You fucking Russian assassins!
- The Russians bring only misfortune.
- The Germans aren't that much better.
- Sit down!
- Don't you get it? I'm pregnant!
Is this how you treat pregnant women
here?
If you're pregnant, you have to eat.
Good evening.
Dr. Reinholtz.
If there's trouble, I'm a doctor.
- Captain Heinrichs knows it.
- Really?
Listen, I'm in pain.
I need to go to hospital.
If you'll allow it,
I could examine her.
Why?
If you are in pain,
you need to go to hospital.
Well...
Please.
If you could please wait outside...
Gnther, stay here!
But turn your back!
Report after they finish!
Please pull up your blouse.
- How many weeks did you say?
- The tenth or eleventh.
Please get dressed.
I'll give her an injection.
Any complications could be fatal
to mother and child.
Please report to Captain Heinrichs
immediately.
Thanks.
It takes guts to lie like that.
I won't let them treat me that way.
They have no right to keep us here.
- You're not from the East.
- No, from Munich.
From Munich. Well...
this is the East.
They can do whatever they want.
They can, but they don't have to.
Where are you from?
- You have an interesting accent.
- Arad.
- Romania.
- Ulrike von Syberg.
- Mihai.
- Call me Ulli, please!
Von Syberg.
So, the class enemy.
No! On the contrary.
I'm pro socialism.
I came here to get Marx and Lenin
for our study group.
- You read Marx and Lenin?
- Yes. Don't you?
What you're doing in the East is great.
Historically,
you're years and years ahead of us.
Calm down, father, for God's sake!
What's going on here?
The Czechs went nuts when the Russians
occupied the radio station in Prague.
- Stop that!
- Tata!
- Murderers!
- Do we look like tank drivers?
They're tourists, Tata!
People like them killed your mother!
Comrades! The Russians and the Czechs
in separate rooms!
Lock the others in the sports hall!
Promise to bury me home
next to Mama.
What are you saying, Tata?
Nobody will die.
Promise me!
You'll bury me next to mum.
I promise you that, Tata.
Mihai?
If that's your wish...
And this professor in Dresden...?
He's one of the best neurosurgeons
in the GDR.
He could've operated on him.
The only one in the entire Eastern Bloc.
Really?
In the West, a brain bypass
is standard procedure.
Maybe we can organize the surgery
in Munich for you.
As simple as that?!
We'll never make it
into the West, Ulli.
Never say that!
"Can you see..."
"We're standing united."
I had no idea
your brother played guitar.
Viva Dubek!
Viva Dubek!
"You're saying you're our brothers,
but you ain't!"
"True brothers wouldn't betray
each other."
Russian killers!
Thieme, Danneberg, follow me!
Help me!
Distract their attention!
Switchboard operator Neustadt,
your call?
- The Romanian embassy, Berlin.
- Hold on!
- Do you speak Romanian?
- Yes, go ahead please.
Thank goodness!
They keep us here against our will.
- They took our passports, too.
- I don't understand.
We are about 50 Romanian families...
Some people are sick.
- Where are you?
- Somewhere between Dresa and the border.
No idea. Maybe a boarding school...
Come now! Help us!
They're keeping us against our will.
Please help us!
Nazi!
Silence!
Now, tell me what you're doing here.
Let me see my sons!
Right now! Fuck your obedience!
Haven't you learned anything
since Adolf?
Reinholtz family?
Was it you who called the embassy?
It was me, comrade.
I apologize, I didn't...
Good morning.
I'm Valentin Ghenea.
Secretary of the Romanian embassy
in East Berlin.
I'm Valentin Ghenea.
Secretary of the Romanian embassy
in East Berlin.
Good morning.
The Socialist Republic of Romania
is grateful to you, Comrade Heinrichs,
for hosting its Romanian citizens.
Let's show our respect
to the German officials.
I want to ensure you that we'll punish
antisocialist behavior back home.
I think you can leave the Romanians
with me now.
These bastards imprisoned us here.
Forgive me, Comrade Ambassador.
- We did nothing wrong.
- It's inhuman!
Please, comrades! The situation
is both delicate and difficult.
You understand...
the political circumstances...
Which political circumstances?
You weren't told?
- No!
- What?
Yesterday, at 1:10 p.m in front of
tens of thousands of fellow citizens
Comrade Nicolae Ceausescu
addressed the people
from the balcony
of the Central Committee.
Dear comrades and citizens of Romania.
The invasion of Czechoslovakia
by five socialist countries
is a big mistake and a great danger
to peace in Europe
and the future of Socialism
in the world.
You may now understand
the political circumstances.
Our president has a heart of gold.
Didn't I tell you in '65 he was worthy?
I told her!
Are the GDR troops invading, too?
Comrades, we must gather all our
strength to return to Romania safely.
You can't go back home
through Czechoslovakia.
The borders are closed.
The GDR authorities
want to send you back
through Poland and the Soviet Union.
If they send us to the Russians,
we'll get home in coffins.
I won't go back
through the Soviet Union!
Comrades, please!
This is not the moment.
In our view, the safest route
is through FRG, Austria,
Yugoslavia, then Romania.
Through FRG?
That's West Germany!
- Yes. West Germany!
- Correct!
Comrades, please pack your things fast
and head to your cars.
That's what you deserve!
This is for all these years!
Mommy... Help!
This is for you tormented us!
State border of the GDR
Do not enter
They'll never let us cross the border.
They'll send us
through the Soviet Union.
Why are you always so negative?
Why would I say something positive
when there's nothing positive to say?
This trip is leading us into the West.
Did you ever dream about it?
I can't bear you anymore.
Tell me one good thing
that's happened to me in my life.
One single good thing.
I fought for the Socialists.
I fought with them side by side.
Then they killed Mama.
Those pigs!
- And when I complained, they...
- Yes, they called you a traitor.
You don't know.
You know nothing!
You have no idea what it's like
when they break you.
When they destroy you little by little.
You want me to get the surgery,
so I can function again.
But I don't want it anymore.
Can you understand that?
I've had enough.
I'm tired.
I'm tired too, Tata.
Dead tired.
I leave the house in the mornings
wondering if I'll find you in the attic
again back home hanging from the roof.
- How dare you?!
- What are you talking about?
You wanted to dissappear.
At least have the balls to admit it.
It's time the little one
learns the truth
about what you did in the attic
at Christmas.
You wore a scarf for two months,
and I had to lie for you!
Is that true, Tata?
Tell me!
Is that true?
Get back in the car! Now!
- Don't get it!
- Go to your car!
You're ugly as hell!
Mihai!
Welcome
to the Federal Republic of Germany.
- Go ahead.
- Thank you.
Mister Reinholtz?
Come here!
What do you know about life?
The honorable doctor
never had to eat dirt!
When things get rough,
you just lick their ass.
Did I raise you to do that?
You're not my son.
I wish I'd never fathered you!
- Costica, let's take a pic.
- I'm coming, honey.
Come on, closer...
Just a second.
Smile!
Cheese!
Good!
Comra...
Mister, please take a picture?
Sure, why not.
Thank you.
Closer!
That's it.
Look at me.
Good!
What are you doing?
- What about the boy...?
- Wait a second.
You can't just leave me alone with him!
The hell I can't!
Mihai!
You always know better!
Now prove it!
- Where are you going?
- Check the glove box!
Mihai!
Hello, Ulli.
Please, take me to Munich with you!
Please...
The Stones?
The Stormy Sundays.
Ah, yes.
They play a special Hammond organ.
There're only four of them
in the whole world.
- Really?
- Yeah.
It took me half a year
to get this record.
I don't want to go back, Ulli.
Just leave it!
It's broken.
Why didn't your mother
come with you?
Because she died.
- I'm sorry.
- So am I.
Will you tell me about her?
A Russian officer's car hit her.
An ordinary accident.
They were probably drunk.
That was in 1954.
The Russians were still in Romania
to liberate us from capitalism.
My father expected an apology
from his "socialist brothers".
His illness... Boxers usually have it
who've often been hit in the head.
That's what they did
in the name of socialism.
I find it hard to believe
in ideologies, Ulli.
Such a horrible story.
But this shows we must keep fighting.
For a just world
where no one oppresses the others.
It's human nature
to oppress others, Ulli.
I disagree.
I believe humans can change.
No.
That happens only in books.
You're so different.
Didn't your driving instructor
teach you to check the fuel gauge?
- Why didn't you check?
- I'm sick and half blind!
You're sick and blind
when you want to be.
Munich!
Germany!
- Hello.
- Hello.
Morning.
I'll have a shower first.
Morning...
- Morning.
- Morning.
- Coffee?
- Sure.
You don't live alone.
There're a few of us living here.
For now, Erika with Mauso
and Hans-Uwe...
- Finally!
- Hey!
I was worried sick about you, Ulrike.
You're getting me all wet.
They put us in a camp in the GDR
because of the invasion of the CSSR.
They let us go yesterday.
This is Mihai. From Romania.
Everyone is welcome
to join our community.
- Hans-Uwe.
- Mihai.
- Anyone can be of help, Michael.
- Mihai is my name.
We share responsibilities:
Shopping, kitchen duties, cleaning.
It's all in the housekeeping plan.
By the way, I filled up the fridge
for you, Ulrike.
- I don't want...
- Mihai. You're my guest!
We meet at 6:00 p.m. Tonight we start
work on the materials for Saturday.
- Saturday?
- Yep. In the Golden Hall at 4:00 p.m.
- A solidarity rally for the Czechs.
- Ah, very good.
Can you imagine,
CSU party made the call!
- You're joking!
- No, I'm not.
They're actually happy
that the Russians marched in.
They'll spit on our red flags again.
- Will you check on my flyer draft?
- Sure. Right after breakfast.
- We're looking for Ulrike von Syberg.
- And why, if I may ask?
Can you please come Ulrike?
That's me.
What can I do?
Do you host a Romanian
in your appartment?
Mihai!
- Good morning.
- Has something happened?
Why did you leave your father
and brother,
who got his driver's license
only six weeks ago,
alone on the Bavarian motorway?
Ulrike, can I have a word?
No offense,
but the Bavarian motorway...
What's this?
That's Mihai's family.
They're very wonderful people.
His father was a socialist revolutionary.
He fought on the barricades.
- Stand by your family!
- Yes, comrade.
- Comrade?
- It's your flat.
- But watch our money.
- Yes.
All right.
We'll go now.
- Goodbye!
- Goodbye!
Enjoy your stay in Bavaria.
Good luck!
- Thank you. Goodbye.
- Mr. Reinholtz, come in, please!
- We don't want to disturb.
- You don't. Please come in!
Have a seat if you want.
- Emil!
- Hello!
Are those Marx and Lenin?
So, you think I can have
the operation here, too?
I think you can do anything here.
It all depends on you.
Yeah...
Well, in that case,
I think I'd like to.
What would you like?
I'd like to undergo surgery.
If you think it's possible.
Once again, to make sure I understand.
You'll operate on Tuesday if the blood
tests are fine, won't you?
Yes, that's fantastic.
Yes, of course.
I will let my father know.
He'll surely return the favor.
Yes... exactly!
See you soon.
- Feeling dizzy again?
- No, no, no.
Shall we go home?
No, let me sit here
and have a look around.
Come closer together.
I'll take a picture of you.
One, two, three...
Oh, the film has run out.
Why are you so nice to us,
Countess von Syberg?
Please call me Ulli. I hate the "von".
It's too formal.
- Then, Miss Ulli, I'm William.
- It's a pleasure.
- Are you really a countess?
- Yes...
My parents valued
this game of formality.
But I wonder how it would've been,
had I been born into a different family.
Tata, I want us to stay here.
Emil can finish school. And you...
Well, you two won't go back for sure.
- And you?
- I stay.
But after the operation, I'll go back.
And if the operation goes well,
as everyone says, I'll repair cars again.
It's time I start to do something.
They'll make your life hell
if we stay here.
Come quicky!
What could they do?
They've already done everything.
My God!
And this for three days already.
Unbelievable, isn't it?
- Hello! Can I listen to that?
- Sure. Come in.
Russian military innovation policy
in Europe.
What the Russians do
is a bloody disgrace.
We asked foreign minister
Willy Brandt for an interview.
Can I buy a film roll?
What do you need?
I have Agfa, Perux and Kodak.
Give me the camera!
Today I can't rule out the possibility
that another country, Romania,
could be put under pressure or even be
the victim of a military intervention.
The Soviets may be overzealous
right now.
But forgetting that they're leading
the class struggle would be fatal.
Yet, the Russians
treat the Czechs terribly.
Their tanks shoot at children!
West Germany never doubts the Americans.
It's the Russians they always blame.
One thing is sure.
What's happening in Prague
is also the Soviets' just fight against
the revisionists and fascists
who'd love to see Hitler
invade Prague again.
I just think the Czechs
simply want to live in freedom.
They refuse Moscow to dictate them
what to think or say.
We've all had enough of it!
We want to live in freedom, like you.
- Like us? Free?
- We're the slaves of capital.
If you're poor, you're nobody here.
They spit on you
if your parents aren't rich.
- What's your name again?
- Emil.
Emil, look... don't let them fool you!
You saw the city. They tempt you
with pretty things everywhere.
Appearances are deceptive. West Germany
is a police state with emergency laws.
Say one word,
they'll beat you in the street.
- Any beer left?
- In the kitchen.
Where do you all work anyway?
We're all students except Bruno.
He's still at high school.
You find us foolish, don't you?
No.
You're just... so different.
I'm sometimes fed up
with this ideological stuff, too.
But what counts is that
we can change the world, Mihai.
We want a new world,
where no one starves, or is exploited.
We're not history's hopeless idiots,
unable to take fate in their hands,
as they've tried to make us believe
for centuries.
So, stay here.
And join us.
Play, play, play!
- Mihai!
- Play, play, play...
- Mihai!
- Play, play, play...
I won't play without you.
What shall we sing?
"You, naive dreamers,
you've got freedom."
"But our socialism isn't like in books."
"Kalinka, Kalinka, Kalinka moya!"
"Don't wanna see any Stalinists
in my country ever again."
"Kalinka, Kalinka, Kalinka moya!"
"Don't wanna see any Stalinists
in my country ever again."
"Kalinka, Kalinka, Kalinka moya!"
"Don't wanna see any Stalinists
in my country ever again."
"Kalinka, Kalinka, Kalinka moya!"
"Don't wanna see any Stalinists
in my country ever again."
"Kalinka, Kalinka, Kalinka moya!"
"Don't wanna see any Stalinists
in my country ever again."
"Kalinka, kalinka, kalinka moya!"
- Mihai!
- Tata! Tata!
- What's wrong?
- Water!
It's fine, Tata!
Tata, stay with us.
You're not going anywhere!
It's fine, Tata!
Stay here. Stay with us.
- Please, Tata, please!
- Tata, stay with us! Tata!
One, two, three, four, five.
One, two, three, four, five.
One, two, three, four, five.
One, two, three, four, five.
One, two, three, four, five.
One, two, three, four, five.
Let him go, love...
Let him come with me.
What are you doing here?
Let him go, baby...
He probably longed for me.
I also made pancakes for him.
Who are you talking to?
One, two, three, four, five.
One, two, three, four, five.
Don't worry.
We'll handle everything.
Thank God, you're all right!
How are you feeling?
This is Octavian Papadopol,
Honorary Consul in Munich.
Hello, Mr. Reinholtz,
I'm Papadopol Octavian.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Don't worry about anything.
We arranged a flight this evening
to take your father back to Romania.
One of you will have to escort
the coffin.
We'll do as planned.
Ok, so everything is clear.
See you at 7 p.m. at the hospital.
- Who sent you here?
- Escuse me?
I want to know who sent you.
- The hospital called me.
- The hospital...?!
It was Comrade Juganar, wasn't it?
You know him?
- He sent you here, didn't he?!
- I don't understand.
Mihai, calm down.
The hospital called Bonn,
and the embassy sent him.
Look at him.
You stink like Securitate, comrade.
Tea, gentlemen?
On behalf of our country,
I wish to thank you for the hospitality
you have shown our fellow citizens.
Anytime.
- We'll show our gratitude in due time.
- Preferably not.
Yes. Then...
My respects.
- What was that?
- Who allowed him here?
The hospital called him.
He was at the door.
- He was from the secret police!
- He'll help us with Tata.
I'm taking him home.
I promised him! You stay here.
What do you think will happen to you
if you go and I stay? Tell me!
Brother of a traitor to the nation!
You'll kiss university goodbye!
They might leave me alone.
Maybe nothing happens. Things change.
Nothing is gonna change!
We'll always be scared of them.
I refuse to betray people anymore
and live in fear
that someone could betray me!
I hate this, too!
But I believe in my country.
And in my girl.
You're ridiculous.
Who's more ridiculous?
What if your girl is fucking someone
right now? What about that?
What did you say?
What did you say, you arsehole?
What is she doing?
This flat still belongs
to Ulrike von Syberg!
- Is that the world revolution?
- No, not yet, Mauso.
Go back and play.
Let me have a look.
Press it there.
Did you see all the stuff
they have here?
They have everything!
And they don't even enjoy it.
This drives me crazy.
And not enjoying this with Neli...
would feel like cheating on her.
And their music means nothing.
I can't take it home anyway.
I do love Neli.
I also love our home.
Is it so hard to understand?
Stay here, you fool!
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
You are early.
God bless him.
In the name of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Praised be Jesus Christ.
It's a pity
your brother couldn't come.
Yes...
I'm sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss, Emil.
Thank you.
Emil, how long have we known
each other? One year?
- Even longer.
- Even longer.
What happened to your father
is a tragedy.
But if your brother
doesn't come back...
you'll be in great trouble.
And we really don't want...
Neli will apply
to the medicine faculty.
He'll also apply to a university.
That's nonsense.
Don't you understand the situation?
For God's sake!
So, if my brother doesn't come back,
I may not see Neli anymore?
I can't believe it!
- Baby, it's better for both.
- Take her to the car!
She's our only child.
Emil...
Please, leave Ionela alone.
It's better for all of us.
All right?
On behalf of the Christian Social
Union Party and the German people,
who view democracy
as our most sacred possession,
I send our sympathy
to the Czech people...
Ladies and gentlemen,
attention please!
This meeting is a big lie!
The CSU declares its solidarity
with the Czechs
while supporting Emergency Acts
at home.
But those who protest against
the invasion of Czechoslovakia
should also protest
against the Vietnam terror,
the Emergency Acts,
and the demagogic Springer press!
Dubek is a communist!
Mummy!
Good morning, gentlemen.
- Good morning.
- Are we done?
- He should only sign.
- Good!
Close the door
and send someone with some coffee.
You drink coffee, don't you?
Let's see what's here.
Have you thought about your future yet?
Do you want to stay?
I see you're German.
Your mother was Romanian, but that
doesn't matter. German is German.
How old is your brother?
- How do you know...?
- Your girlfriend gave a statement, too.
He's 18.
And has no more relatives
left in Romania?
We could help you to help him,
if you help us.
Return to the flat on Kaiser Street.
Make yourself at home.
I'll meet you now and then.
And you'll just tell me who is visiting
and what they're planning.
Comrade Juganar...
I returned since I strongly believe
in my country and its future.
I want to study and then contribute
to a new Romania.
My brother...
Well, we're very different.
But I'm my own person and I'm here.
I really like you.
You remind me of myself
when I was your age.
I've heard you get on well
with your colleagues.
No wonder.
Such a smart nice fellow like you.
Your girlfriend must be
very proud of you.
I spoke with Comrade Schoolmistress
and we thought to send you to the army.
Well, to a corrective camp, I mean.
Maybe we'll find a better solution.
Comrade Juganar...
if I have to write reports about
my colleagues or my girlfriend,
I cannot do this.
People lose faith in their country
if they're afraid of being watched.
People like you
made my brother run away...
People like me?
People like me?!
I thought you were smarter.
Well, we'll do it this way.
You call your brother and tell him
to move his ass back home now.
Otherwise, your life here might be
a nightmare. What do you say?
Connect me to Munich.
Mihai?
Move!
Emil?
Emil!
How are you? Are you fine?
I've buried Tata.
How many people came?
A few.
Some neighbours and colleagues.
And I missed it...
What about your dizziness?
Where are you?
Have you still been vomiting?
Emil! What's wrong?
Don't come back!
No matter what!
- Emil!
- Go home and pack your stuff! Got it?
- Bastards!
- What is it?
Have they harmed your brother?
I knew it.
I bloody knew it!
Listen to me! We'll collect signatures
in front of the Foreign Ministry.
We can do it.
We'll do it, Mihai.
You've done enough for my family.
It's my turn now.
Please...
Mabye you can help your brother
much better from here.
Mihai!
Look me in the eyes and tell me
that you want to go back.
Ulli, I don't want to go back!
But I have to!
Upstairs!
- Yes, sir!
- Immediately!
Stop pushing me!
Stop him!
He's getting away!
Where the hell are you going?
He'll escape! Stop him!
Hey, hey! If he escapes,
you'll get in serious trouble!
Come on, run!
Do you still want to run?
Let's go!
Emil?
Emil, where are you?
Hello, comrade.
What's going on here?
Hello.
We're emptying the flat.
What do you mean?
It's my house! My painting!
- Hands off! It was an order.
- Give me my painting!
Hands off!
Comrade! Comrade!
This is still
the Reinholtz family's residence!
Hey! Open the door!
Not until you bring an official paper!
Open up!
All counter-revolutionaries
will be executed!
Aim!
Fire!
- Good afternoon, Auntie Lucretia.
- Good afternoon, doctor.
- How's your leg?
- It's better now. Thank you.
- Your brother's finally here!
- Yes, here he is!
- I'll drop by later for your injection.
- All right.
His name is Hans-Uwe.
But I call him just Uwe.
It's too long.
I gave up smoking.
- Really?
- Yes!
What about you?
Have you kept writing and composing?
- Nothing?
- Nothing.
If they catch us writing
behind their back...
I've got something.
Would you like to try?
E minor, A minor...
D major, E minor.
Ah, wait...
Metronome, with a new edition
on Radio Free Europe in Munich.
Cornel Chiriac speaking,
with a brand new song...
sent secretly from Romania,
describing the fate of today's youth.
"One day two angel-winged children
flew up to the sky..."
"And while flying they wondered
why their dreams vanished into thin air."
"Their wings were cut off,
and the children learned..."
"You can't dream of life,
but live it the way it is."
"Their wings were cut off,
the illusion vanished."
"Yet, they kept on hoping,
for the new life they were given."
Stalinists retire
DUBEK sets us free too
Who did that?
Don't know. I haven't seen anyone.
It happened too fast.
But you must have seen them!
THAT TRIP WE TOOK WITH DAD
Based on a true story
Arad, Socialist Republic of Romania
August 1968
Press here!
Step on the scale!
- What's your name?
- Reinholtz, Emil.
Well, I left the bike right here...
I leaned it...
and I was about to go up the stairs
when suddenly I heard someone running.
I think you're mocking us.
First, you make up stories, then
you try to fool the gatekeeper, too.
Let it be, Comrade Renner.
Call the pupils for inspection.
Line up all the pupils!
Inspect clothes,
hands and hair for paint.
- Good day, young ladies.
- Good day.
Comrade Renner would like
to ask you some questions.
But we don't know anything,
didn't see anything.
That's why you should go downstairs
and report to Comrade Renner.
- Of course. Yes.
- Thank you.
- Now?
- Yes.
Have a good day.
Have a good day.
- Close the door, will you?
- Yes, of course.
Well, I find the scribble
on the wall ridiculous.
Stalin is long gone.
How could he retire?
Mihai, what he wrote doesn't matter.
What matters is that he wrote it.
The axe must be laid to the root
of the tree when it's still small,
cause if it grows,
it will be too late!
Don't you realize what happens
if they find out
that your brother painted
subversive propaganda on the walls?
Alright.
Here's what I think:
I think, I've done enough for you
and your family. I got you a job here.
Otherwise you would've worked...
in the countryside for 3 years,
as the Party requires.
I struggled to get you passports.
It wasn't easy for folks like you.
And you do what? Your reports
are worthless. Waste of paper!
You think I didn't notice?
Mihai, you must give me a name
till tomorrow.
If it's not you're brother,
find someone else.
Give me a name to write in my report!
If they come from Bucharest,
we'll both be in big trouble.
Hands up! Surrender!
We've caught the traitor,
Comrade General!
I'm Comrade General, Leutenant,
Colonel of the Soviet Union!
Salute now!
- Dudu, stop this nonsense!
- Salute at once!
Salute or you won't pass!
- We catch all traitors!
- And execute them!
- What are you doing?
- Crepes Suzette flambe!
- Why?
- I'm hungry!
- We still have bread from yesterday.
- That's why!
Please dad, sit down!
- And where the hell is the little one?
- I don't know.
Emil!
"Let's listen to a song
from our Czechoslovakian friends."
Last week Chriac aired the Beatles
and said they were a Hungarian band
that sang in English.
These censorship idiots
can't even tell the difference between
the Beatles and a Hungarian band.
Chiriac really has balls.
I might send him one of my songs
after the holiday.
- Really?
- Yeah.
- Would you be proud of me?
- Are you kidding me?
Of course.
You on the radio?!
I really think we can change things,
Neli.
Take the Czechs for example.
Can't we do the same?
Speed up!
The Romanian troops are pushing back,
back and back
the traitorous Soviet troops...
to the most distant places.
- The Soviets are not traitors!
- Sure they are!
Mom!
He says the Soviets are traitors!
Don't bother, honey.
He'll regret it sooner or later.
Hello!
Pancakes?
Yummy!
Where the hell have you been?
- The club.
- Where?
At the Pioneer's Club.
Now I'm not even allowed to cook
anymore!
Why?
Go to the bathroom right now!
We wash our hands first!
Are you fucking crazy?
Have you lost your minds?
You wanna spoil it all?
What did you do there?
We wanted to say
what needed to be said.
Really? Do you have any idea
in what trouble you've got me?
If they don't let us leave anymore,
Dad will die, you idiot!
- The gatekeeper didn't see us!
- But I did!
Tell them you didn't recognize anyone.
- That they weren't from our school.
- Shut up!
I'm sorry. I'm sorry,
I thought you'd come later.
Vaccinations should've started
at 9 a.m.
The hell you did!
- Did you bring the suitcases?
- Yes.
- What about the car?
- Everything's ready.
I won't be any good on this trip.
It'll do you good, Tata.
Fresh air. Lots to see.
Your head pressure will ease up.
You should be happy.
Of course, I'm happy.
I see all things double.
Twice the Zwinger, twice the Wartburg.
How couldn't I be happy?
"Neli..."
"Just come with me."
"We'd both fly..."
"Far away from here."
You'd play the piano here.
- "As long as you're with me..."
- Well...?
"There is no reason..."
- Close the window!
- "For you to look back..."
The neighbours are sleeping.
Breathe! Breathe!
It hurts. I know.
Good God, his ribs are surely broken.
He can't breathe!
- Catalin, honey, can you breathe?
- Please! You're not allowed here!
See what they did to him!
- They were just drunk, mom.
- They weren't drunk, Catalin!
Calm down! Screams don't help.
Please!
- Slowly, slowly...
- Where does it hurt?
Breathe in, breathe out slowly.
Will you?
Now!
How many drunkards were there?
- Let's give him some morphine.
- Three or four...
- Why?
- Go bring it!
Well, if you say so...
I was alone on the street.
Suddenly a van came...
They've pulled me in
and started beating me.
The gatekeeper must have seen us
after all.
I don't see why we don't leave tomorrow
as planned?
The sooner we go,
the longer the holiday.
Hi!
Hi!
Come on.
We're leaving!
Take this.
- What's this?
- I won't tell you.
Just go!
But you'll come back, won't you?
What do you think?
I've got something new.
Wanna hear it?
"All the activists
and the Stalinists..."
"Pull this country down."
"Czechs and Slovaks
you are our brothers."
"Let Dubek come to us, too!"
"Kalinka, Kalinka, Kalinka moya!
No more Stalinists in my country."
Very nice.
But don't ever play it again!
Someone has snitched on Catalin.
They were waiting for him on the street.
The Securitate car was already there.
Which Catalin?
Maybe you should ask your son
what he's got to do with it.
I'm listening.
Reinholtz, Emil?
On Monday we expressed our solidarity
with the Czechs.
You painted "Stalinists retire!"
And "Dubek, come here, too!"
- "Dubek set us free, too!"
- Have you lost your mind?
Risking your graduation
and university admission?
And ending up like me?
Damn it!
Nobody saw us.
- Only the gatekeeper.
- And you!
It's really amazing.
The way the Czechoslovakians
adore Dubek, you mean?
There's never been
something like this before.
I wonder how long the Soviets
will let the Czechs play freedom.
I just bought the Stones
and the Beatles! Just like that!
They have a box of records next to
photos of Dubek. It's incredible!
Let's go!
I want to get over the border today.
Good evening.
Passports, please.
The reason for your entry into
the German Democratic Republic?
Vacation.
- Anything to declare?
- No.
What's that?
Get out and show me!
Hurry up!
Comrade Habicht, come here please.
Do you know the Beatles, comrade?
The Beatles are labelled class enemies,
I know, but...
Shut the fuck up!
They have a song about a street
called "Penny Lane",
where there's a barber who cuts hair,
just like here.
Or "Strawberry Fields Forever"
is about fields of strawberries.
They're singing about
collectivized farming.
Inspect all their luggage!
Sorry, Comrade Commander. Obviously
we didn't inform ourselves enough.
Please take these as a gift
for the German-Romanian friendship.
Why did we have 8 bottles of cognac,
Mihai?!
They were for the assistants.
Had Emil kept his mouth shut for once!
- What assistants?
- You cause nothing but trouble!
All the stupid shit you do!
Catalin's bruises are your fault, too!
I'd never snitch on somebody! Do you
give them detailed written reports, too?
Get out!
Let's go out!
Let's go out!
Who's responsible for the whole mess?!
They didn't want to give us passports
thanks to your stupid actions!
They forced me to give them a name!
They didn't believe that I hadn't seen
anyone! Do you understand?
- Dresden is Tata's last chance!
- What's going on?
This isn't a vacation.
I would've told you tomorrow.
We're going to see Prof. Thalheim.
If all goes well,
they'll operate on you this week.
- He's been planning this for weeks.
- Since the beginning of the year.
Thalheim agreed to treat you, Tata.
Do you know what that means?
- That's why you snitched on that boy?
- That you still have a chance.
- Answer my question!
- What else am I supposed to do?
Let you die in misery?
The medicine helps less and less.
In just a couple of month
the hydrocephalus will do this
to your brain!
No! No surgery for me!
Not for this price!
- You're dying, Tata!
- We'll drive back home in the morning.
But now we're already here!
If they find out that he secretly
arranged a surgery in Dresden
and they will find out!
They always do!
Then they'll have him
under their thumb forever!
We're turning back tomorrow.
End of discussion!
Tata, please. Tata!
Wouldn't you like to drive again?
Well...
I'm still capable.
Watch out!
Tata, calm down!
What the hell?
Calm down! Calm down!
They can't just invade like that.
This isn't the 1950s.
- Oh, no, no, no!
- What's going on again?
Passports please.
Are the tanks driving
to Czechoslovakia, comrade?
- Please follow us.
- Wait! Why?
- What's going on, comrade?
- You'll be informed inside.
Where the hell are we?
German, Russian, Czech, Hungarian?
- We all speak German.
- Right then.
- Grab your suitcases! Follow me!
- One moment, comrades.
Could you be so kind and explain to me
and my boys what this is about?
We cannot answer any questions.
- You're from Romania?
- Yes, from Arad.
And where are you from, comrade?
From around this region.
But you wouldn't know it: Elsterwerda.
Lower Lusatia!
We were just heading there for vacation.
- Comrade, why are we getting arrested?
- We're not arresting anyone.
You took our passports
and brought us here.
It's for your own safety.
- We felt very safe until now.
- Please, Tata.
Comrade, how long must we stay here...
for our safety?
We can't provide any information
for now.
Lieutenant Rhmrich, let it be. No need
to scare people in such a situation.
- See how they're doing in the kitchen.
- Yes, Captain Heinrichs.
Please.
Hat's your shelter until the situation
has calmed down.
There are mattresses back there.
Blankets are over there.
And you'll be called to meals.
Soviet tanks in Czechoslovakia...
That's not a "situation".
- Tata, please stop.
- Well, that's enough for now.
Excuse me, comrade.
- Do you speak German?
- Yes!
When could we please make a phone call?
- I don't understand a word.
- The lady needs to make a phone call.
There is currently no possibility.
But in one hour you'll all
be called for dinner.
He says they'll call us for dinner.
We're asking about a phone call
and he is talking about food.
- We left our child with somebody.
- I need insulin urgently!
Please tell him that we'd like
to contact the Romanian Embassy.
- Great idea!
- We should have thought sooner.
We're just tourists.
What have we done wrong?
Shut the fuck up!
We're being watched!
Folks, let's keep calm!
Would keep calm if you had a baby
at home?
- Or my diabetes?
- Okay, calm down everyone!
- Comrade, what's your name?
- Reinholtz, Mihai.
Comrade Reinholtz, make a list
of what your compatriots need.
We'll take care of it.
Have the list on my desk
in half an hour.
- What did he say?
- To make a list.
- But he owns us answers!
- Bravo, young man!
Excuse us.
We must find a place to sleep.
- Write down what you need.
- We'll make a list.
Come now, Tata.
- Excuse me. Captain Heinrichs' office?
- Over there.
Here is Radio RIAS Berlin.
The voice of the free world.
Come. Come in!
Give it to me.
- Toothpaste, charcoal tablets...
- Please sit down.
- And what is "Algocalmin"?
- Pain killers.
If you can't find any,
I should have some in the car.
- I'm a doctor.
- Oh, that's good to know.
Well, I'll see what I can do.
Anything else?
Comrades... my father is sick.
He'll get surgery in Dresden in 2 days.
It is extremely important that we...
I... I thought you'd like cognac.
We're on duty.
We'll see what we can do.
- How come you speak German so well?
- We're Germans. Danube Swabians.
Comrade Heinrichs,
this young man's situation is special.
We do as follows:
You keep an eye on the Romanians.
You're a doctor.
You made this list well.
Ask them how they are,
what troubles them. Nothing special.
And we'll take care of you
and your father.
All right?
Yes.
You can leave the cognac here.
- Sorry, no time for this.
- Let's clarify this peacefully.
- It's for your own safety.
- Surely a misunderstanding!
- Take the suitcase and follow us.
- I refuse to follow you.
- Let go of my suitcase!
- Blaschke! Gnther!
Listen,
you can't just take my passport,
pull my car here and detain me here
against my will!
Listen! I'm from West Germany!
You can't treat me like this!
At least have the decency
to speak to me when I talk to you!
Get in!
"Citizens of Prague are asked to stay
calm, show no resistance so that"
"the Soviet invaders see that they're
not fighting a counter-revolution."
I'd like to talk to you
about the surgery.
In Dresden, they got a new system...
They'll never let us go
to make it on time.
I'll try to contact Dr. Thalheim.
Hello.
Are these seats free?
You fucking Russian assassins!
- The Russians bring only misfortune.
- The Germans aren't that much better.
- Sit down!
- Don't you get it? I'm pregnant!
Is this how you treat pregnant women
here?
If you're pregnant, you have to eat.
Good evening.
Dr. Reinholtz.
If there's trouble, I'm a doctor.
- Captain Heinrichs knows it.
- Really?
Listen, I'm in pain.
I need to go to hospital.
If you'll allow it,
I could examine her.
Why?
If you are in pain,
you need to go to hospital.
Well...
Please.
If you could please wait outside...
Gnther, stay here!
But turn your back!
Report after they finish!
Please pull up your blouse.
- How many weeks did you say?
- The tenth or eleventh.
Please get dressed.
I'll give her an injection.
Any complications could be fatal
to mother and child.
Please report to Captain Heinrichs
immediately.
Thanks.
It takes guts to lie like that.
I won't let them treat me that way.
They have no right to keep us here.
- You're not from the East.
- No, from Munich.
From Munich. Well...
this is the East.
They can do whatever they want.
They can, but they don't have to.
Where are you from?
- You have an interesting accent.
- Arad.
- Romania.
- Ulrike von Syberg.
- Mihai.
- Call me Ulli, please!
Von Syberg.
So, the class enemy.
No! On the contrary.
I'm pro socialism.
I came here to get Marx and Lenin
for our study group.
- You read Marx and Lenin?
- Yes. Don't you?
What you're doing in the East is great.
Historically,
you're years and years ahead of us.
Calm down, father, for God's sake!
What's going on here?
The Czechs went nuts when the Russians
occupied the radio station in Prague.
- Stop that!
- Tata!
- Murderers!
- Do we look like tank drivers?
They're tourists, Tata!
People like them killed your mother!
Comrades! The Russians and the Czechs
in separate rooms!
Lock the others in the sports hall!
Promise to bury me home
next to Mama.
What are you saying, Tata?
Nobody will die.
Promise me!
You'll bury me next to mum.
I promise you that, Tata.
Mihai?
If that's your wish...
And this professor in Dresden...?
He's one of the best neurosurgeons
in the GDR.
He could've operated on him.
The only one in the entire Eastern Bloc.
Really?
In the West, a brain bypass
is standard procedure.
Maybe we can organize the surgery
in Munich for you.
As simple as that?!
We'll never make it
into the West, Ulli.
Never say that!
"Can you see..."
"We're standing united."
I had no idea
your brother played guitar.
Viva Dubek!
Viva Dubek!
"You're saying you're our brothers,
but you ain't!"
"True brothers wouldn't betray
each other."
Russian killers!
Thieme, Danneberg, follow me!
Help me!
Distract their attention!
Switchboard operator Neustadt,
your call?
- The Romanian embassy, Berlin.
- Hold on!
- Do you speak Romanian?
- Yes, go ahead please.
Thank goodness!
They keep us here against our will.
- They took our passports, too.
- I don't understand.
We are about 50 Romanian families...
Some people are sick.
- Where are you?
- Somewhere between Dresa and the border.
No idea. Maybe a boarding school...
Come now! Help us!
They're keeping us against our will.
Please help us!
Nazi!
Silence!
Now, tell me what you're doing here.
Let me see my sons!
Right now! Fuck your obedience!
Haven't you learned anything
since Adolf?
Reinholtz family?
Was it you who called the embassy?
It was me, comrade.
I apologize, I didn't...
Good morning.
I'm Valentin Ghenea.
Secretary of the Romanian embassy
in East Berlin.
I'm Valentin Ghenea.
Secretary of the Romanian embassy
in East Berlin.
Good morning.
The Socialist Republic of Romania
is grateful to you, Comrade Heinrichs,
for hosting its Romanian citizens.
Let's show our respect
to the German officials.
I want to ensure you that we'll punish
antisocialist behavior back home.
I think you can leave the Romanians
with me now.
These bastards imprisoned us here.
Forgive me, Comrade Ambassador.
- We did nothing wrong.
- It's inhuman!
Please, comrades! The situation
is both delicate and difficult.
You understand...
the political circumstances...
Which political circumstances?
You weren't told?
- No!
- What?
Yesterday, at 1:10 p.m in front of
tens of thousands of fellow citizens
Comrade Nicolae Ceausescu
addressed the people
from the balcony
of the Central Committee.
Dear comrades and citizens of Romania.
The invasion of Czechoslovakia
by five socialist countries
is a big mistake and a great danger
to peace in Europe
and the future of Socialism
in the world.
You may now understand
the political circumstances.
Our president has a heart of gold.
Didn't I tell you in '65 he was worthy?
I told her!
Are the GDR troops invading, too?
Comrades, we must gather all our
strength to return to Romania safely.
You can't go back home
through Czechoslovakia.
The borders are closed.
The GDR authorities
want to send you back
through Poland and the Soviet Union.
If they send us to the Russians,
we'll get home in coffins.
I won't go back
through the Soviet Union!
Comrades, please!
This is not the moment.
In our view, the safest route
is through FRG, Austria,
Yugoslavia, then Romania.
Through FRG?
That's West Germany!
- Yes. West Germany!
- Correct!
Comrades, please pack your things fast
and head to your cars.
That's what you deserve!
This is for all these years!
Mommy... Help!
This is for you tormented us!
State border of the GDR
Do not enter
They'll never let us cross the border.
They'll send us
through the Soviet Union.
Why are you always so negative?
Why would I say something positive
when there's nothing positive to say?
This trip is leading us into the West.
Did you ever dream about it?
I can't bear you anymore.
Tell me one good thing
that's happened to me in my life.
One single good thing.
I fought for the Socialists.
I fought with them side by side.
Then they killed Mama.
Those pigs!
- And when I complained, they...
- Yes, they called you a traitor.
You don't know.
You know nothing!
You have no idea what it's like
when they break you.
When they destroy you little by little.
You want me to get the surgery,
so I can function again.
But I don't want it anymore.
Can you understand that?
I've had enough.
I'm tired.
I'm tired too, Tata.
Dead tired.
I leave the house in the mornings
wondering if I'll find you in the attic
again back home hanging from the roof.
- How dare you?!
- What are you talking about?
You wanted to dissappear.
At least have the balls to admit it.
It's time the little one
learns the truth
about what you did in the attic
at Christmas.
You wore a scarf for two months,
and I had to lie for you!
Is that true, Tata?
Tell me!
Is that true?
Get back in the car! Now!
- Don't get it!
- Go to your car!
You're ugly as hell!
Mihai!
Welcome
to the Federal Republic of Germany.
- Go ahead.
- Thank you.
Mister Reinholtz?
Come here!
What do you know about life?
The honorable doctor
never had to eat dirt!
When things get rough,
you just lick their ass.
Did I raise you to do that?
You're not my son.
I wish I'd never fathered you!
- Costica, let's take a pic.
- I'm coming, honey.
Come on, closer...
Just a second.
Smile!
Cheese!
Good!
Comra...
Mister, please take a picture?
Sure, why not.
Thank you.
Closer!
That's it.
Look at me.
Good!
What are you doing?
- What about the boy...?
- Wait a second.
You can't just leave me alone with him!
The hell I can't!
Mihai!
You always know better!
Now prove it!
- Where are you going?
- Check the glove box!
Mihai!
Hello, Ulli.
Please, take me to Munich with you!
Please...
The Stones?
The Stormy Sundays.
Ah, yes.
They play a special Hammond organ.
There're only four of them
in the whole world.
- Really?
- Yeah.
It took me half a year
to get this record.
I don't want to go back, Ulli.
Just leave it!
It's broken.
Why didn't your mother
come with you?
Because she died.
- I'm sorry.
- So am I.
Will you tell me about her?
A Russian officer's car hit her.
An ordinary accident.
They were probably drunk.
That was in 1954.
The Russians were still in Romania
to liberate us from capitalism.
My father expected an apology
from his "socialist brothers".
His illness... Boxers usually have it
who've often been hit in the head.
That's what they did
in the name of socialism.
I find it hard to believe
in ideologies, Ulli.
Such a horrible story.
But this shows we must keep fighting.
For a just world
where no one oppresses the others.
It's human nature
to oppress others, Ulli.
I disagree.
I believe humans can change.
No.
That happens only in books.
You're so different.
Didn't your driving instructor
teach you to check the fuel gauge?
- Why didn't you check?
- I'm sick and half blind!
You're sick and blind
when you want to be.
Munich!
Germany!
- Hello.
- Hello.
Morning.
I'll have a shower first.
Morning...
- Morning.
- Morning.
- Coffee?
- Sure.
You don't live alone.
There're a few of us living here.
For now, Erika with Mauso
and Hans-Uwe...
- Finally!
- Hey!
I was worried sick about you, Ulrike.
You're getting me all wet.
They put us in a camp in the GDR
because of the invasion of the CSSR.
They let us go yesterday.
This is Mihai. From Romania.
Everyone is welcome
to join our community.
- Hans-Uwe.
- Mihai.
- Anyone can be of help, Michael.
- Mihai is my name.
We share responsibilities:
Shopping, kitchen duties, cleaning.
It's all in the housekeeping plan.
By the way, I filled up the fridge
for you, Ulrike.
- I don't want...
- Mihai. You're my guest!
We meet at 6:00 p.m. Tonight we start
work on the materials for Saturday.
- Saturday?
- Yep. In the Golden Hall at 4:00 p.m.
- A solidarity rally for the Czechs.
- Ah, very good.
Can you imagine,
CSU party made the call!
- You're joking!
- No, I'm not.
They're actually happy
that the Russians marched in.
They'll spit on our red flags again.
- Will you check on my flyer draft?
- Sure. Right after breakfast.
- We're looking for Ulrike von Syberg.
- And why, if I may ask?
Can you please come Ulrike?
That's me.
What can I do?
Do you host a Romanian
in your appartment?
Mihai!
- Good morning.
- Has something happened?
Why did you leave your father
and brother,
who got his driver's license
only six weeks ago,
alone on the Bavarian motorway?
Ulrike, can I have a word?
No offense,
but the Bavarian motorway...
What's this?
That's Mihai's family.
They're very wonderful people.
His father was a socialist revolutionary.
He fought on the barricades.
- Stand by your family!
- Yes, comrade.
- Comrade?
- It's your flat.
- But watch our money.
- Yes.
All right.
We'll go now.
- Goodbye!
- Goodbye!
Enjoy your stay in Bavaria.
Good luck!
- Thank you. Goodbye.
- Mr. Reinholtz, come in, please!
- We don't want to disturb.
- You don't. Please come in!
Have a seat if you want.
- Emil!
- Hello!
Are those Marx and Lenin?
So, you think I can have
the operation here, too?
I think you can do anything here.
It all depends on you.
Yeah...
Well, in that case,
I think I'd like to.
What would you like?
I'd like to undergo surgery.
If you think it's possible.
Once again, to make sure I understand.
You'll operate on Tuesday if the blood
tests are fine, won't you?
Yes, that's fantastic.
Yes, of course.
I will let my father know.
He'll surely return the favor.
Yes... exactly!
See you soon.
- Feeling dizzy again?
- No, no, no.
Shall we go home?
No, let me sit here
and have a look around.
Come closer together.
I'll take a picture of you.
One, two, three...
Oh, the film has run out.
Why are you so nice to us,
Countess von Syberg?
Please call me Ulli. I hate the "von".
It's too formal.
- Then, Miss Ulli, I'm William.
- It's a pleasure.
- Are you really a countess?
- Yes...
My parents valued
this game of formality.
But I wonder how it would've been,
had I been born into a different family.
Tata, I want us to stay here.
Emil can finish school. And you...
Well, you two won't go back for sure.
- And you?
- I stay.
But after the operation, I'll go back.
And if the operation goes well,
as everyone says, I'll repair cars again.
It's time I start to do something.
They'll make your life hell
if we stay here.
Come quicky!
What could they do?
They've already done everything.
My God!
And this for three days already.
Unbelievable, isn't it?
- Hello! Can I listen to that?
- Sure. Come in.
Russian military innovation policy
in Europe.
What the Russians do
is a bloody disgrace.
We asked foreign minister
Willy Brandt for an interview.
Can I buy a film roll?
What do you need?
I have Agfa, Perux and Kodak.
Give me the camera!
Today I can't rule out the possibility
that another country, Romania,
could be put under pressure or even be
the victim of a military intervention.
The Soviets may be overzealous
right now.
But forgetting that they're leading
the class struggle would be fatal.
Yet, the Russians
treat the Czechs terribly.
Their tanks shoot at children!
West Germany never doubts the Americans.
It's the Russians they always blame.
One thing is sure.
What's happening in Prague
is also the Soviets' just fight against
the revisionists and fascists
who'd love to see Hitler
invade Prague again.
I just think the Czechs
simply want to live in freedom.
They refuse Moscow to dictate them
what to think or say.
We've all had enough of it!
We want to live in freedom, like you.
- Like us? Free?
- We're the slaves of capital.
If you're poor, you're nobody here.
They spit on you
if your parents aren't rich.
- What's your name again?
- Emil.
Emil, look... don't let them fool you!
You saw the city. They tempt you
with pretty things everywhere.
Appearances are deceptive. West Germany
is a police state with emergency laws.
Say one word,
they'll beat you in the street.
- Any beer left?
- In the kitchen.
Where do you all work anyway?
We're all students except Bruno.
He's still at high school.
You find us foolish, don't you?
No.
You're just... so different.
I'm sometimes fed up
with this ideological stuff, too.
But what counts is that
we can change the world, Mihai.
We want a new world,
where no one starves, or is exploited.
We're not history's hopeless idiots,
unable to take fate in their hands,
as they've tried to make us believe
for centuries.
So, stay here.
And join us.
Play, play, play!
- Mihai!
- Play, play, play...
- Mihai!
- Play, play, play...
I won't play without you.
What shall we sing?
"You, naive dreamers,
you've got freedom."
"But our socialism isn't like in books."
"Kalinka, Kalinka, Kalinka moya!"
"Don't wanna see any Stalinists
in my country ever again."
"Kalinka, Kalinka, Kalinka moya!"
"Don't wanna see any Stalinists
in my country ever again."
"Kalinka, Kalinka, Kalinka moya!"
"Don't wanna see any Stalinists
in my country ever again."
"Kalinka, Kalinka, Kalinka moya!"
"Don't wanna see any Stalinists
in my country ever again."
"Kalinka, Kalinka, Kalinka moya!"
"Don't wanna see any Stalinists
in my country ever again."
"Kalinka, kalinka, kalinka moya!"
- Mihai!
- Tata! Tata!
- What's wrong?
- Water!
It's fine, Tata!
Tata, stay with us.
You're not going anywhere!
It's fine, Tata!
Stay here. Stay with us.
- Please, Tata, please!
- Tata, stay with us! Tata!
One, two, three, four, five.
One, two, three, four, five.
One, two, three, four, five.
One, two, three, four, five.
One, two, three, four, five.
One, two, three, four, five.
Let him go, love...
Let him come with me.
What are you doing here?
Let him go, baby...
He probably longed for me.
I also made pancakes for him.
Who are you talking to?
One, two, three, four, five.
One, two, three, four, five.
Don't worry.
We'll handle everything.
Thank God, you're all right!
How are you feeling?
This is Octavian Papadopol,
Honorary Consul in Munich.
Hello, Mr. Reinholtz,
I'm Papadopol Octavian.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Don't worry about anything.
We arranged a flight this evening
to take your father back to Romania.
One of you will have to escort
the coffin.
We'll do as planned.
Ok, so everything is clear.
See you at 7 p.m. at the hospital.
- Who sent you here?
- Escuse me?
I want to know who sent you.
- The hospital called me.
- The hospital...?!
It was Comrade Juganar, wasn't it?
You know him?
- He sent you here, didn't he?!
- I don't understand.
Mihai, calm down.
The hospital called Bonn,
and the embassy sent him.
Look at him.
You stink like Securitate, comrade.
Tea, gentlemen?
On behalf of our country,
I wish to thank you for the hospitality
you have shown our fellow citizens.
Anytime.
- We'll show our gratitude in due time.
- Preferably not.
Yes. Then...
My respects.
- What was that?
- Who allowed him here?
The hospital called him.
He was at the door.
- He was from the secret police!
- He'll help us with Tata.
I'm taking him home.
I promised him! You stay here.
What do you think will happen to you
if you go and I stay? Tell me!
Brother of a traitor to the nation!
You'll kiss university goodbye!
They might leave me alone.
Maybe nothing happens. Things change.
Nothing is gonna change!
We'll always be scared of them.
I refuse to betray people anymore
and live in fear
that someone could betray me!
I hate this, too!
But I believe in my country.
And in my girl.
You're ridiculous.
Who's more ridiculous?
What if your girl is fucking someone
right now? What about that?
What did you say?
What did you say, you arsehole?
What is she doing?
This flat still belongs
to Ulrike von Syberg!
- Is that the world revolution?
- No, not yet, Mauso.
Go back and play.
Let me have a look.
Press it there.
Did you see all the stuff
they have here?
They have everything!
And they don't even enjoy it.
This drives me crazy.
And not enjoying this with Neli...
would feel like cheating on her.
And their music means nothing.
I can't take it home anyway.
I do love Neli.
I also love our home.
Is it so hard to understand?
Stay here, you fool!
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
You are early.
God bless him.
In the name of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Praised be Jesus Christ.
It's a pity
your brother couldn't come.
Yes...
I'm sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss, Emil.
Thank you.
Emil, how long have we known
each other? One year?
- Even longer.
- Even longer.
What happened to your father
is a tragedy.
But if your brother
doesn't come back...
you'll be in great trouble.
And we really don't want...
Neli will apply
to the medicine faculty.
He'll also apply to a university.
That's nonsense.
Don't you understand the situation?
For God's sake!
So, if my brother doesn't come back,
I may not see Neli anymore?
I can't believe it!
- Baby, it's better for both.
- Take her to the car!
She's our only child.
Emil...
Please, leave Ionela alone.
It's better for all of us.
All right?
On behalf of the Christian Social
Union Party and the German people,
who view democracy
as our most sacred possession,
I send our sympathy
to the Czech people...
Ladies and gentlemen,
attention please!
This meeting is a big lie!
The CSU declares its solidarity
with the Czechs
while supporting Emergency Acts
at home.
But those who protest against
the invasion of Czechoslovakia
should also protest
against the Vietnam terror,
the Emergency Acts,
and the demagogic Springer press!
Dubek is a communist!
Mummy!
Good morning, gentlemen.
- Good morning.
- Are we done?
- He should only sign.
- Good!
Close the door
and send someone with some coffee.
You drink coffee, don't you?
Let's see what's here.
Have you thought about your future yet?
Do you want to stay?
I see you're German.
Your mother was Romanian, but that
doesn't matter. German is German.
How old is your brother?
- How do you know...?
- Your girlfriend gave a statement, too.
He's 18.
And has no more relatives
left in Romania?
We could help you to help him,
if you help us.
Return to the flat on Kaiser Street.
Make yourself at home.
I'll meet you now and then.
And you'll just tell me who is visiting
and what they're planning.
Comrade Juganar...
I returned since I strongly believe
in my country and its future.
I want to study and then contribute
to a new Romania.
My brother...
Well, we're very different.
But I'm my own person and I'm here.
I really like you.
You remind me of myself
when I was your age.
I've heard you get on well
with your colleagues.
No wonder.
Such a smart nice fellow like you.
Your girlfriend must be
very proud of you.
I spoke with Comrade Schoolmistress
and we thought to send you to the army.
Well, to a corrective camp, I mean.
Maybe we'll find a better solution.
Comrade Juganar...
if I have to write reports about
my colleagues or my girlfriend,
I cannot do this.
People lose faith in their country
if they're afraid of being watched.
People like you
made my brother run away...
People like me?
People like me?!
I thought you were smarter.
Well, we'll do it this way.
You call your brother and tell him
to move his ass back home now.
Otherwise, your life here might be
a nightmare. What do you say?
Connect me to Munich.
Mihai?
Move!
Emil?
Emil!
How are you? Are you fine?
I've buried Tata.
How many people came?
A few.
Some neighbours and colleagues.
And I missed it...
What about your dizziness?
Where are you?
Have you still been vomiting?
Emil! What's wrong?
Don't come back!
No matter what!
- Emil!
- Go home and pack your stuff! Got it?
- Bastards!
- What is it?
Have they harmed your brother?
I knew it.
I bloody knew it!
Listen to me! We'll collect signatures
in front of the Foreign Ministry.
We can do it.
We'll do it, Mihai.
You've done enough for my family.
It's my turn now.
Please...
Mabye you can help your brother
much better from here.
Mihai!
Look me in the eyes and tell me
that you want to go back.
Ulli, I don't want to go back!
But I have to!
Upstairs!
- Yes, sir!
- Immediately!
Stop pushing me!
Stop him!
He's getting away!
Where the hell are you going?
He'll escape! Stop him!
Hey, hey! If he escapes,
you'll get in serious trouble!
Come on, run!
Do you still want to run?
Let's go!
Emil?
Emil, where are you?
Hello, comrade.
What's going on here?
Hello.
We're emptying the flat.
What do you mean?
It's my house! My painting!
- Hands off! It was an order.
- Give me my painting!
Hands off!
Comrade! Comrade!
This is still
the Reinholtz family's residence!
Hey! Open the door!
Not until you bring an official paper!
Open up!
All counter-revolutionaries
will be executed!
Aim!
Fire!
- Good afternoon, Auntie Lucretia.
- Good afternoon, doctor.
- How's your leg?
- It's better now. Thank you.
- Your brother's finally here!
- Yes, here he is!
- I'll drop by later for your injection.
- All right.
His name is Hans-Uwe.
But I call him just Uwe.
It's too long.
I gave up smoking.
- Really?
- Yes!
What about you?
Have you kept writing and composing?
- Nothing?
- Nothing.
If they catch us writing
behind their back...
I've got something.
Would you like to try?
E minor, A minor...
D major, E minor.
Ah, wait...
Metronome, with a new edition
on Radio Free Europe in Munich.
Cornel Chiriac speaking,
with a brand new song...
sent secretly from Romania,
describing the fate of today's youth.
"One day two angel-winged children
flew up to the sky..."
"And while flying they wondered
why their dreams vanished into thin air."
"Their wings were cut off,
and the children learned..."
"You can't dream of life,
but live it the way it is."
"Their wings were cut off,
the illusion vanished."
"Yet, they kept on hoping,
for the new life they were given."