Original subtitles

36 HOURS BEFORE THE FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL

Hello, Ms. Korowkina.

Annett is very proud of you

for taking on this job.

Which job?

Operation Safety Valve.

Never heard of it.

Annett wants Max to stay with her in Moscow during your mission...

What?

Put me through to Annett.

She's at the October Revolution parade.

Tanks and missiles on Red Square, Max would love it.

If you need to speak to Moscow,

call the Soviet embassy in Berlin.

Ask for Comrade Kochemasov or Comrade Maximychev.

I want to speak to the mother of my son, not Moscow.

Noted.

How must a Communist feel in this hour?

WEST BERLIN PRISON, WEST GERMANY

500,000 people have gathered to protest against Communism.

The largest demonstration in Leipzig

since the protests began.

Crazy, huh?

Why don't they just storm the wall?

I would.

I have informed Comrade Gorbachev

that we have initiated a turning point

in order to introduce the necessary reforms.

Mr. Gorbachev,

open this gate!

ONLY KOHL CAN HELP US

We are the people!

We are the people!

MARTIN RAUCH'S APARTMENT EAST BERLIN, EAST GERMANY

The grand finale.

You're on the black keys, ready?

Now the finale. And...

- Excellent. Let's go. - Again!

- Nope, brush your teeth. - Please!

That was the deal.

It looks like a pigsty in here.

What are they shouting out there?

"We are the people."

What does that mean?

We are the people!

It means they...

It means the people are unhappy.

The national wealth of East Germany

is property of the people.

Let's be honest, East Germany's days are numbered.

We are the people!

We are the people!

LAUER CIVIL RIGHTS GROUP POTSDAM, EAST GERMANY

Hello, Wolfgang.

We spoke briefly after your speech.

You invited me to come to your group.

I thought...

Yes, of course.

Come in.

Matthias and Torsten stopped coming to school.

Why?

My new teacher said

they found a hole in the wall.

In Prague.

I see.

Lie down.

Is that the same wall that Grandpa built?

Yup.

He'll be really upset.

I don't want all my friends to leave.

They won't.

The hole they found is tiny.

The real wall is the one you know here in Berlin.

No one can escape through it.

I promise.

Things will be back to normal soon.

Did Mom call?

Yeah.

She sends you a big kiss from Moscow.

Here's your kiss. Now get to sleep.

Good night.

My new teacher says

everyone wants to see

what's on the other side of the wall.

Your new teacher sounds like a real smartass.

You've been to the other side.

You've seen real-life elephants in Africa!

With tusks.

Right.

One day we'll go to Africa.

But only if you go to sleep.

Love you.

Good night.

ROOF!

My colleagues are still waiting on approval for their apartment.

I know. I'll sort it.

The government's working on a new travel law.

Top-secret.

Fuchs thinks General Secretary Krenz is overcompensating

for the backlash over his sham reforms.

Fritz, what's this got to do with me?

You're the official HVA courier.

You'll take the document to Krenz.

And make a copy for us on the way.

No.

- Everyone's a bit on edge. - No.

- This wasn't the deal. - Martin...

Fuchs and Moscow both know Max is your Achilles' heel.

Do as they say and it's over by tomorrow evening,

and Max won't be taken to Moscow.

Just a normal courier job?

Yes.

I'll pick you up tomorrow at Robotron.

This nation has almost reached its tipping point.

The entire established elite:

Stasi, HVA, SED...

all need to be behind bars.

I have...

a number of documents

on all the top dogs.

Really, where?

All well hidden.

If I publish that...

Who's that again?

Trotsky.

Crazy guy.

If he hadn't been assassinated in 1940,

our entire history would've been different.

Ah, well.

Cheers...

To our revolution!

VERBATIM RECORDS AFTER OCTOBER 7, 1989

NOVEMBER 9, 19897:30 A.M.

She's pretty.

How would you know, you should be concentrating on class.

There she is!

Miss Zangen!

Max, hello.

Don't you walk to school by yourself yet?

Go in.

Nicole Zangen, I'm Max's new teacher.

Martin Rauch, nice to meet you.

You're always in such a hurry, I...

I'm worried about Max.

In what way?

We need to talk about the elephant.

Elephant?

His imaginary friend.

Let's talk tomorrow, OK?

Thanks.

ROBOTRON, STATE-OWNED ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURER, 7:59 A.M.

Morning.

Good morning.

- What? - Guess.

No idea.

Our new apartment got approved.

No way.

Congratulations.

That's great. And I have more good news.

I have a new customer.

- No way. - Yup.

- Where'd you find him? - Well...

Oh, there he is.

Wish me luck.

OK. Want to join us for a drink later?

Sure!

The apartment got sorted quickly.

You're welcome.

First stop: Ministry of the Interior, where the new law's being drafted.

You'll take the document to Krenz.

This is to take photos for Fuchs.

Right, I can manage that.

Stay close to Krenz.

Don't let him screw things up.

If he makes any radical proposals regarding freedom of movement,

I have this for you.

You most likely won't need it, but in case you do...

Just use one of them.

Makes it look like a heart attack.

Stop.

I want to get out.

- I'm not doing this! - Martin!

We just got your friends a brand-new apartment.

And in return I have to kill the Head of State for you?

Seriously?

I need to speak to Schweppenstette. Now.

HVA - EAST GERMAN FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE SERVICE, 11 A.M.

THE PEOPLE'S PROPERTY

"Treuhand Trust"?

Comrade Fuchs.

Comrade Hartmann called me.

He says Kolibri wants out.

"The Legend of Kolibri"?

Thomas Posimski's new novel. Out today.

- I need to read it. - It's just a novel, Walter.

Please, I need to.

Fine.

Thank you.

If Kolibri is causing trouble,

we could replace him with someone more experienced with assassinations.

Like Nina.

Nina's busy. And she'd be the only woman.

Kolibri is our most experienced agent.

You know he tends to step out of line.

He's been warned that his son will be sent to Moscow if he does.

Max?

Sent to Moscow?

Tough times call for tough measures.

Of course.

MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR

Yesterday the entire Politburo

resigned for the first time in its history,

before returning largely unchanged just hours later.

During these chaotic hours,

Egon Krenz was reinstated as General Secretary.

Krenz stressed his commitment to reform.

Yet the attempts in recent days

to pass new legislation

granting East Germans greater freedom of movement

have failed spectacularly.

It's already between one and two million people

who want to leave.

If they don't change, if they don't give hope to their people,

the situation becomes highly explosive.

The law's being drafted in there.

You wait here.

Fritz.

Whatever they're drafting, I'm not using this.

Martin, it won't come to that.

Moscow examines every law before it can be passed.

They won't approve a law if it's against their own interests.

Where's Walter?

On his way.

I'll get him.

"...the permanent departure of East German citizens."

"...with immediate effect."

"...preconditions are not required."

"...granted at short notice."

"...via any border crossing to West Germany or West Berlin."

"...no preconditions."

"...with immediate effect."

MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR CANTEEN 12:30 P.M.

Mom.

There you are.

Oh!

To what do I owe the honor?

- Can we talk? - You want to eat something?

No, I need your motherly advice.

Do you know the four men over there?

Who are they?

Second-tier officials.

Responsible for the last travel law.

They're working on a new draft.

It's so radical it might open the border tonight.

- What? - Yeah.

Why would they draft something like that?

Look where the last version got them.

Besides, if the law's not relaxed soon, then...

all hell's going to break loose.

Krenz,

the demonstrators,

the Czechs.

OK, Mom...

What do you think would happen...

if the wall came down?

It would be the end of East Germany.

And the HVA.

Could you pick up Max from school and look after him tonight?

Conny and Sven are celebrating their new apartment.

- Yes. Of course. - Thanks.

I have to go. I love you.

- Look after yourself. - I will.

Thanks.

Walter's here. He's waiting downstairs.

Tell him I've changed my mind.

I'll carry out the orders.

Good day, gentlemen.

Allow me to introduce myself.

Martin Rauch, your official courier.

I will deliver your draft to General Secretary Krenz.

But only when it's ready.

Oh, one more thing.

You having to take the blame for the last draft

was unfair.

The guys at the top...

They pilloried us.

But the new draft is much bolder.

OK.

We're...

wondering if it may be too bold.

I'm sorry?

We may need to delay its coming into effect.

No, don't. I have orders from the very top...

- Drive carefully. - OK.

"...transitional regulations apply with immediate effect."

"...no preconditions."

"...permits granted at short notice."

"...with immediate effect."

"...without delay."

Something funny?

No.

Here.

We're almost there.

EAST GERMAN COMMUNIST PARTY HQ

SED CENTRAL COMMITTEE, EAST BERLIN, 3:30 P.M.

Approved by Moscow.

Is this really approved by Moscow?

Yes.

By whom?

By Comrade Kochemasov.

And Comrade Maximychev.

From the Soviet embassy.

I know them both well.

Yes?

I would like to sit in on Comrade Krenz's address if that's OK?

Sure.

The listening booth is on the left.

Thank you.

Firstly,

the regulation from November 30, 1988,

regarding East German citizens' right to travel abroad,

will, for the period before adoption of the new travel law,

no longer be applicable.

Transitional regulations now apply...

Here you are.

We read the draft.

And?

...at short notice and with no preconditions.

He's presenting it to the Committee?

...permits granted at short notice, via any border crossing.

Doesn't he see how destabilizing this could be?

If it were true, the Central Committee would block it.

Martin...

The Central Committee is just a bunch of yes-men.

Fuchs has been trying to contact Moscow.

They're all at the parade.

I'm afraid you have to do it.

Now.

Could you get Comrade Krenz a coffee?

When is the law being presented to the public?

Schabowski has the text.

He's doing another press conference.

It's going to be televised.

In an hour.

May I ask you something else?

Of course.

Are you Martin Rauch?

The guy who saved us from a nuclear apocalypse in '83.

I thought so.

It's an honor.

To meet you in person.

If you'd waited a second longer...

we wouldn't...

None of us would be here today.

I was just doing my job.

I'm a huge fan of yours.

I read the book.

- Excuse me. - Yes?

- Hello. - Hello.

May I bring this coffee to Mr. Krenz?

I just got this for myself.

But Krenz needs one, he's a friend of mine.

Get another one then, there's plenty.

You will give it to me now.

It was just coffee.

Let's go.

Not a word to anyone.

A tradition that began yesterday continues today.

Every evening,

after the Socialist Unity Party's Central Committee adjourns for the day,

the body sends a representative

to face the domestic and international press.

Minister Schäuble said

East Germans should stay put.

He says there are no apartments for us in the West.

And the refugee camps are overflowing.

Who wants to live in a refugee camp?

- Who wants to be a refugee? - Right.

Precisely.

- To our new apartment! - To you.

It's so nice you all came.

Exactly.

- I'm not sure what this means. - Sven...

Sven.

You see that woman at the bar?

Max's new teacher.

I never had teachers like her.

Miss Zangen.

Mr. Rauch.

This is really strange.

What is?

I just got something for Max.

What?

Here.

I thought...

it could be his new friend.

How cute.

Good evening.

Wolfgang Lauer told me about your group.

I listened to his speech and...

I was impressed.

He wrote down this address for me.

Wolfgang passed away last night.

What?

That's...

I'm sorry.

- How...? - Heart attack.

- What did you say your name was? - Lutz.

Schobler.

Would you like to come in?

...women in East Germany.

This is Lutz.

This is his first time with us.

- Evening. - Hello.

This is our living room.

And...

that's where we found him.

I'm sorry.

I have a question on behalf of East German radio.

You haven't missed anything.

Same drivel as always.

...gradual economic reforms in East Germany.

Everyone wants to leave.

Even Max.

He's always talking about Africa.

True.

Why do you keep checking your watch?

Oh...

It's just... this tic I have.

I'm not stalking you or anything.

I just moved in around the corner.

- This is the closest bar. - Oh right.

Andreas?

Could you put the TV on?

- TV? - Yeah.

Why don't you talk to this pretty lady?

That's what I'm wondering. Why don't you?

Well?

OK...

Thanks.

What were your plans to improve the drastic situation?

We've...

devised a wonderful concept.

We call it "Treuhand".

We want to pool all of East Germany's assets,

its enterprises, factories, cooperatives,

and give it back to the East German people.

Everyone gets an equal share.

So we can finally do justice to our constitution:

"Everything belongs to the people."

What a great idea.

Yes.

Turn it clockwise. Nice and slow.

Point the antenna at the window.

Go home if you want to watch TV!

Slowly. Stop.

That's it.

Everyone relax.

Next round's on me, OK?

Now we're friends again, huh?

Here. - For everyone, OK.

You smoke?

No.

But would you acknowledge the question is a legitimate one?

So these aren't yours?

Thank you.

From my contact with working comrades, I am of course aware of the fact...

You're into politics,

and you love boring-as-hell

government press conferences?

We are aware of this fact.

It is what led to the Central Committee's daily meeting.

Are you trying to hypnotize him?

That'd be nice.

You know what would be really nice?

If this whole goddamn country would just collapse.

That would be nice.

My condolences.

Thank you.

- Hello. - Hello, Max.

Come in.

Max,

look who's here.

- Max, come! - Manouk!

Wolfgang's favorite soup.

You're a darling. Thank you.

I'll go back in.

Take off your anorak.

How long have you been coming?

- Three or four months. - Right.

- And how often do you meet up? - A couple of evenings a week.

- Ingrid. - Lutz.

Have we met before?

I'm new here.

Teacher?

No.

Astronomer.

Do you like astronomy?

No, but my grandson does.

Has he been to the observatory in Treptow?

Maybe that's it, I do tours there.

Hello.

- Evening. - Hello.

We're coming to the end of this press conference.

I have to go.

I have to pick up Max.

Thanks again for the elephant.

No worries.

- Right... - Bye.

I had a nice time.

Me too.

Guys, I'm leaving. Bye.

- Already? - Yeah.

Bye.

...citizens can make a sovereign decision

to travel wherever they wish.

Acting on a Politburo recommendation,

we will take one passage from the new draft,

and put it into effect.

Namely, the passage that regulates

"permanent departure",

or leaving the Republic.

When does it come into effect?

To my knowledge, immediately.

Without delay.

"For individuals traveling abroad,

preconditions such as reasons for travel or family ties must no longer be met.

Permits will be issued at short notice.

Permanent departure is possible via any East-West border crossing."

Did you know?

That something big was happening?

I think I did it.

Sure.

Of course you did.

Yeah.

What did he just say?

Immediately.

If it's true, it's the start of a new era.

Maybe...

Maybe our dreams have come true.

Your glasses.

What?

You're wearing different glasses.

That's why I didn't recognize you.

I've always had them.

You're an HVA agent.

You were in our house in Kleinmachnow.

You attacked us.

1983.

No.

I'm an astronomer.

You certainly are not.

But I'm Martin Rauch's mother.

You will leave this second,

and never come back.

And don't you dare tell anybody you saw me here.

Take your grandson and go home now.

Or I will personally take him to his mother.

To Moscow.

- We're leaving. - Why?

- Crazy, huh? - Totally.

Bye.

Max, we're leaving.

Bye.

Thank you.

I don't believe it.

Where's Kolibri?

He's been with Krenz all day.

And Fritz?

Infiltrating the Lauer group.

Anything can happen now.

I wouldn't be surprised

if the American flag were already flying on our roof.

Moscow hasn't been in touch.

Yes?

Thank you.

The military is at code red.

Mom!

Some evening, huh? How are you?

Good.

Was this your doing?

I'll tell you later, but it sure has kicked off.

Hey Max, got a new elephant?

...the longer route via third countries.

Politburo member Schabowski,

speaking to journalists this evening in East Berlin,

claimed the law still doesn't resolve the wall issue.

He stated that other criteria must be met for it to be taken down.

West Germany and NATO will play a key role...

Well, what do you think?

Let's see if Krenz has the courage

to finally follow the Chinese government's lead.

I doubt it.

Shortly after the announcement,

the first East Berliners headed to the Bornholmer Strasse crossing.

Please be aware that

to leave the country,

you will require a visa.

Here it clearly states

citizens still have to officially apply for a visa,

and not at the border.

We can't let them out.

Let's hope the border guards have read that too.

I'm sure they have.

Where's Kolibri?

I haven't been able to contact him.

But I'll make sure he... Oh God!

Oh God.

Oh God.

WELCOME TO WEST BERLIN

The people are screaming for freedom.

And capitalism is what they'll get.

Capitalism is a form of freedom.

Capitalism is nothing more than capitalism.

It serves no other purpose.

Not freedom, nothing.

Capitalism just sucks everyone in,

and devours them.

My mom and dad live over there,

so now I can go see them?

They're all fleeing to the West.

It won't be long before we see

the West rearing its ugly head over here.

Ms. Winger?

Please bring all available shredders to Fuchs's office.

Bring the ones that work then. Jesus!

And quickly, please.

Comrades.

About time.

So?

Our infiltration and Lauer's heart attack...

- broke the group's heart. - So?

They've come up with a fascinating idea.

Pool all of East Germany's resources,

and give each worker and farmer

an equal share of the national wealth.

They call it "Treuhand".

So what?

The biggest jailbreak of all time!

The biggest jailbreak of all time!

The biggest jailbreak of all time!

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL SCHWEPPENSTETTE, WALTER

If worst comes to worst.

I'm sorry?

In case the West decides to attack.

And sees the luxury we live in.

- This will be our best option. - Markus...

This isn't the Second World War.

I'm not Eva Braun and...

you're not Adolf Hitler.

That's true.

What's the best thing about a crisis,

or a revolution?

New opportunities.

And new winners.

Let's think about how we can win this.

We want out too!

I've seen first-hand how people get corrupted.

By "freedom."

My nephew was a good boy,

until he sold me out.

We want out!

We want out!

Nina.

Martin.

No gun this time?

That better?

What happened today?

My son's sleeping.

Martin Rauch speaking.

Annett wants to know if you've all gone insane in Berlin.

She wants Max in Moscow right away.

We will send a driver to pick up Max.

- Tomorrow, 6 p.m. - What? No.

I need to speak to Annett. Now.

Hello?

I've had a damn long day.

Fuchs wants answers.

I carried out every order.

He still thinks me and a gun will get you talking.

But I'm tired, Martin.

What will I do when our lives here...

When it's all ruined.

Can I count on you?

Sure.

When I need a new job?

You've been out there, you know people.

CIA, BND...

I have skills. In the West...

Sure. I promise.

Let's watch TV.

It's a mind-boggling time for all of us.

Sit down.

U.S. EMBASSY TO THE GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC,

EAST BERLIN, 1:30 A.M.

So great of you to come.

Don't you think you could've warned us about this?

We had no idea.

Believe me. Please, sit down.

So...

This is the end of the Cold War?

Hopefully not. We'd have to find a new enemy and who would that be?

I don't know. I mean, everybody loves America.

What can I do for you?

So starting now, Western agencies are gonna try to snatch up HVA assets.

You bet.

My bosses are just drowning in politics and blame-gaming.

I really appreciated your work in '86.

Thank you.

So I thought that we would make a great team,

doing a little off the radar work

by placing HVA agents undercover.

That sounds good to me.

Great.

Now is there anyone you can think of from the HVA off the top of your head?