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I gave only 4 stars only because it starts out slowly and some family interactions are a bit dull. However once the action starts it is VERY exciting! This is about 2 families escaping Communist East Germany to West Germany after the Berlin Wall blocked crossings. How they were able to make the balloon (actually TWO balloons) from scratch itself shows their ingenuity building home made engines and especially buying enough fabric to stitch together for the actual balloon itself!!! I think it was based on a true story that really happened to German families!!! Although I saw it in a movie theater when released decades ago, I had forgotten almost all the details, like their first attempt fell short and they were still in the East and they had to start all over again from scratch with a second balloon!!! Meanwhile the E.German security that found the abandoned balloon were hunting for who was responsible!!! With the second attempt seemed on verge of failure I was holding my breath and clutching my chair at times, when the E.German military were right on their tails!!!!!! The very last moments of the movie are thrilling!!!! It doesn't have the traditional Disney feel--closer to Mission Impossible TV series. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought this DVD, took it to Michigan and watched it with my son and daughter-in-law, who is from Germany and remembered when this actually happened. It opened communication as to how this time period impacted her family and her as a child. The film made me so very thankful for the blessings I have had in my life and the freedom we have in the United States.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
when West Germany and East Germany were seperate everyone wanted to live in the WEST so an East German Family and their friends come up with a scheme to FLY in a hot air balloon over walls, barb wire, machine guns , gun towers and to the safety and FREEDOM of the west. IT SHOWs "how" they make the balloon stitch by stitch piece by piece~ incredible~ BASED on a TRUE EVENT~ FAST paced very interesting and entertaining and we see how bad it really was in East Germany~ excellent acting by John Hurt and Jane Alexander toss in Beau Bridges. very detailed and fun~ I give it a solid 9 out of 10!~ IF THIS REVIEW WAS HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE~
the purchase was what i had expected. this is a movie that we watched as a class when i was in 5th grade. i don’t remember ever seeing it again. i was touched by the true story and it left a lasting impression on me. i was pleased to find it on DVD and get to watch it again...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It's a very well-acted and suspenseful story even if one watches it for entertainment only. However, the real power comes from see how much some East Germans were willing to risk and sacrifice to gain their freedom. With the This movie was filmed while the Wall was still in place. Having recently celebrated the fall of the wall due to President Regan's insistence and diplomacy, this film is a valuable lesson for anyone who takes their freedom for granted. Our family had seen this film when it first came out and I was happy to find it available.
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