Original subtitles

If you 're looking for someone who's made over from the GDR,

-how do you find him with you -There are reception centers.

[Katja] Who are you looking for?

[Martin] "I'm looking for my relatives and their daughter Elena Simkow."

[Dunja] I need my declaration of commitment.

If it turns out that I've been spitting on, I'm done.

-I have a couple of questions. -Journalist, yes?

[Vera] What about Robert?

[Falk] Strollers have found him. He killed himself.

He writes about depression.

- [Katja] What's your last name? -Schmidt.

- [Martin] What are you going to do with the photos? - I'll send them to my editor.

If one gets published, I'll get 250 marks.

Who did you write to?

The offices in Friedland, Passau and Marienfelde.

Right where the reception camps are. Thank you.

-But no answer so far. -What's the name?

I can ask around.

I don't know if I want you to hang in there.

Do not you trust me?

Well, we've only known each other for a few days.

-You are a journalist from the west ... -You're right.

But do you trust me

Why are you so sad

The names are...

[clears his throat] The names are Rainer and Maria Simkow.

And Elena Simkov. From Berlin.

Can you do something with that?

I am a bloodhound.

We cannot prevent the commission of inquiry .

I can't see what the consequences will be.

-There must be no loose ends. -There is no problem.

-With Görlitz everything is going according to plan. -I assume so, Comrade Major.

What about the other operation? Have you made any progress?

The operational funds are available in sufficient amounts.

You can step away.

I told you about the arm that I fell off the ladder.

That was a lie.

Committee of Inquiry? -Yes. It's about October 7th and 8th.

I was there in front of the Gethsemane Church.

That was so terrible. There was bludgeoning, screaming ...

-It was like a war. -And you hurt your arm in the process?

A colleague slammed the Barkas door too quickly.

We had 23 people in there. You know, only ten are allowed.

There were a couple of demonstrators who were so badly injured.

-And now are you supposed to testify? -Yes.

I find it good.

-Come on the mess. -They'll get me back!

Even if the Stasi gave the orders.

Görlitz, that's what it's all about.

-To get the really responsible ones. -I did not want that.

There were decent people there. But I did what I had to.

-And that was wrong again! -Tell them everything you know!

They don't care about a couple of people's policemen.

- do you mean? -Yes. They want the top!

"In the shadows a man, a woman". This is a love song.

-What's dangerous about that? -One line reads:

"Communism cannot save the world".

Do you think so? I thought you were a socialist.

Of course, I absorbed that with my mother's milk, so to speak .

-Humanism, Justice-- -World Peace.

Do n't be mocking now , young woman, will you?

No war started from the GDR. So, not externally.

In this idea

you just have to scratch it. Questioning.

'quite a long time you have not questioned that.

At your potty time, '81 to '86.

I told you all about that.

That was my vanity, the fame.

And you don't write anything about this time . Yes?

-Good. -Then we can go on.

Then we will talk about your work in the Democratic Forum.

-What is it that worries you the most? -The new elections, of course.

Dealing with the Stasi.

And the investigation of all crimes by investigative committees.

[Radio news running]

Good evening.

-'an evening, Martin. -N / A?

-How are you? -All good.

And?

Look, I brought you something.

Vitamins. I picked up my welcome money.

Stand in line like a charity recipient.

Don't you have any pride

Be glad I don't have an egg piercer ...

A what?

Hear moth ...

I...

I'm sorry for saying you don't have a heart.

Thank you.

Martin? Are you eating with us tonight

Falk hat...

He's been promoted. To the major general.

[Falk] So, there you go.

So this is your champagne.

- [Sonja] Thank you, papa. -Yes, please.

No matter. To us. Everything will be fine. Isn't it, mother?

Everything goes on.

I remember how we toasted with Günther.

That was in the summer of '67.

-And now he's gone. -Yes, yes, '67.

High time for a generation change.

Drink your fucking champagne alone.

Tell me, my dear friend, are you nuts?

Will he hit puberty at 20 or what?

Dear papa, you work all year round so that we lack for nothing.

We know what you are doing, although sometimes it torments you.

So we celebrate your victory today. We love you very much.

Size. My big.

Thank you very much.

Yes and now?

The MfS refuses to talk about the files.

I hope it will be easier for us after the elections .

And until then?

While we are sitting here, they calmly carry on.

Should we storm the Stasi headquarters and seize the archives?

Or put a bomb right away?

We pushed through the commission of inquiry into the incidents in October .

Do you seriously think that will result in something?

Questioning witnesses with SED people who have been beaten by the Stasi?

-They're kidding us! -So what takes time.

The committee is just the beginning.

We even have statements from police officers. That used to be swept under the carpet.

I agree. We must not rush anything and must take advantage of all opportunities.

-And most importantly, don't provoke. -They have Robert on their conscience!

And you talk like a fucking politician!

You have no evidence that the Stasi had anything to do with Robert's death!

[dark music]

We find those responsible. I promise to you.

How can you just go on like this?

You loved him after all.

I'm not just going on like this. I...

What should i do?

[TV] Watch out, Anton!

Oh. Do you want to congratulate me after all?

-And? Is he good? -I always like to see it,

when the capitalists shoot each other.

Is there anything new from Pastor Wolff?

And.

The day before yesterday we had a report from the VP.

He hung himself up in a forest near Köpenick.

-What? -Yes, madness, what?

Got a crack up here. But I don't know any more.

No?

No.

You have nothing to do with it

You didn't bag it on November 9th on Rasche Strasse?

Was?

Falk, what did you do with him?

[exciting music]

Martin, what I'm telling you now, must never leave this room. You're welcome.

Robert Wolff was an IM. For over a year.

That is impossible!

If you only knew how many pastors work for us.

They are primarily concerned with avoiding conflicts.

Avoid violence. By making arrangements with us.

Yes. He even came to us himself.

Tell me, Martin, do you think we untied it or what?

Forced him to commit suicide or ...

You're not serious.

Martin, we are not murderers.

-They said there were no witnesses! -It wasn't there either.

And how does my brother know that we had contact with Wolff that day?

Watch him day and night!

And should he even approach one of these environmental units,

- fix him. -Yes, Comrade Major General.

[Türklingel]

Get out, or I'll call the police!

Grandma, open the door again! It's me

Granny! Do you ever have 37 ocks for the taxi? I came from the Ostbahnhof.

Yes, Lisa, what ...

Lisa! Sag mal ...

- Does your father know that you are coming? -No, it's a surprise. Thank you.

Yes, you can say that.

-Bye. -See you.

-Katja. -Martin.

On?

I found the Simkows. Bloodhound, you see?

-Where, then? -Not far from here. In West Berlin.

They stayed with relatives there.

Many Thanks.

Is that it already?

I...

I invite you to a ketwurst. How do you like that?

'and Ketwurst?

Yes, that sounds romantic.

[Martin] So what do you think?

[Katja] "Ketwurst".

-That's a bad hot dog. -Yes, you can see.

Who are the Simkows anyway?

These are friends of mine.

-Friends from before. -From your time with Julia?

-How do you know about Julia? -From your mother.

Was...

What ... what ... what did she tell you?

-Nothing special. -Do you make a story out of it or what?

No! She just said that you loved each other very much.

And that Julia died.

Why are you so suspicious?

I don't want anything at all.

[dark music]

Katja?

When I go to the Simkows

would you accompany me?

Yes. Clear.

[mysterious music]

[loud rock music]

-What's going on here? -Father!

-My dear little dumb papa. -Uh ...

Lisa! That is...

Nice to see you my little one! Are you staying for the weekend?

Nah, papa, I'm basically staying.

I'm not going back to Dresden anymore .

How? Does your mom know about it?

Mom and I, we don't understand each other anymore.

-Did you run away? - She would never understand

why every normal person has to be in Berlin now.

Can you explain that to her Call her? Please, papilein.

-You are always so good at it. -What should I tell her?

I'm finishing my senior year here.

Grandpa can certainly organize something there.

And...

[soft, mysterious music]

[exciting music]

[Vera] "It's like sinking to the bottom of the sea in a bubble .

The light fades, it turns black

the pressure around you is getting bigger. "

Fancy Santa Claus?

The costume is not quite right.

This is my writing.

"Friebe."

"Extra-marital relationship with ..."

Crap.

[oppressive music]

What do you mean, disappeared?

As usual, I deposited the files in the archive overnight.

Now they are gone, most likely destroyed.

Well, clean. Good, then create a new process,

a new declaration of commitment.

Comrade Major General, I will not do that.

-I beg your pardon? -I am convinced

that reactivating the unofficial staff is a step backwards.

You refuse to command? Are you not quite at ease anymore?

-Are you drunk or what's up? - Comrade, I never drink.

You saved my life, Hans. Many Thanks.

Why does it all sound like goodbye?

Is it the piano player? Your pianist?

You've been sleeping with him for six months.

It is not that easy.

You are my past

I have to get rid of them, otherwise I can't start anything new.

None of us can get rid of our past.

Even when papers are burned

therefore we are not free and blameless after all .

I've worked here for half my life !

-And always faithfully performing my service. -Yes.

I have a wife and four children, and they are proud of me.

Suddenly nobody knows what is right or what to do!

-One says Hu, the other says Hott. -Culinary!

It is good and right what you do. You can be proud of it.

[sobs]

My God, calm down now . Kulisch.

I don't know what to do either .

Mann!

How am I supposed to keep the business going with cowards like you ?

-You have free today. Also in the future. -[Beat]

Yes? Thank you, Comrade Kulisch. That's it

[Kulisch is crying]

-That's done. -Yes.

So what's up?

This is Katja Wiese, 32.

Daughter of the journalist Hartmut Wiese,

Died eight months ago.

What does it have to do with my brother?

She's one of those smackers too .

November 11th? Why don't I know him?

The press evaluations should be sent directly to Department 4.

Wieses specialty:

human-emotional stories from areas of political crisis.

"Portraits of People You Can't See".

She has come here repeatedly and chats to people.

Did she take photos?

It's no coincidence that she throws at my brother.

Find out if it has something to do with the BND.

A dead pastor, a dead opposition member.

That would be a hit for them.

Oh God. What a shit.

[Organ music]

Dear Nicki.

Dear Thomas.

Dear friend.

We've all thought a lot over the past few days .

Talked about what happened.

We don't understand.

We are looking for...

for culprits.

After explanations.

For something that can comfort us.

I was wondering

how close you can really get to a person .

I believe that you can love someone unconditionally

but maybe never really knows him.

We all...

have decided together

To say goodbye to Robert in silence today .

He would n't have wanted a big funeral service.

Because he wouldn't have wanted one of us

who believes in our cause becomes insecure.

Do you really have to go already?

I'm sorry mom.

I have a lift to Leipzig.

Stay another night. I'll pay you the ticket.

I ... I can't do them ...

look in the eyes.

That's fine.

Thanks for coming at all .

-Is Thomas gone yet? -He can't take it here.

Will not cope with it.

He's still ashamed.

I understand.

Roman, you've been over there too.

How is it then? I'm going tomorrow.

We'll register you at school tomorrow .

Yes. But tell me. Advertisements, huge, everywhere, right?

In any case, those over there are better off than us.

-What makes you think that? -I've seen it.

They are better dressed and drive nicer cars.

-Heal house facades, smooth streets. - "Drink your fucking champagne alone."

Smooth streets, intact facades. Roman, look behind it.

I taught you independent, critical thinking ,

-Not that shit. -Falk, please! Roman, listen.

Our country was much more disadvantaged by division .

We alone bore the burden of reparations payments after the war.

The visible wealth has arisen through exploitation.

-But you don't see them. -Are you completely stupid?

-Falk, do you have to be such an asshole? -Do not interrupt!

Critical thinking! None of what you told me is true! Nothing at all!

That's enough. Go over if you like it that way!

-Maybe I do too! -Falk!

Rest here now! Then go over. Go over there.

OK. I do not need you.

Oh you don't need me Then go. Get out of here, go. Get lost!

Get lost! I don't give a shit you

Really. Unemployed academic, I just say!

What's going on here? That's worse than with mom and me.

Sonja. Mouse, what are you doing?

-I didn't mean that, papa. -No of course not.

-Come here. - Sheep.

Sheep, it's not that bad, you. We'll take it away, will we?

[tense music]

Well, there is a lot of rush here. Is there anything for free?

They're all scared that the border is closing again.

[Policeman] Anyone else without a ticket?

[Woman] Hello! Welcome to the west.

Welcome.

[exciting music]

[mysterious music]

- [man] To me! - [Katja] They look nice.

Shall we go in?

Martin?

That child is my daughter.

[tense music]

Julia was pregnant when she was arrested.

She had the baby in the detention hospital.

She only saw it for an hour. Then it was taken away from her.

She was told the baby had died.

But it wasn't like that. It was stolen from us.

Julia always knew that.

And because she didn't give up, she's dead.

Our child's name is Anna and she looks like Julia.

How did you endure it?

What a shitty country.

You have absolutely no idea.

You come to visit three times, send two parcels from the West

-and think you know! -"Your"?

That arrogance sucks!

[oppressive music]

[Telephone rings]

Hi?

Hi?

Is there anyone?

[it is hung up]

[Telephone rings]

-Stop that shit right away! - [Martin] Katja.

Martin? Can you come here please

As far as I can see, my jewelry is missing, two cameras

two lenses and the films of the last few weeks.

-And the prints? Are they gone too? -Yes.

But I have copies of most of them in the editorial office.

-What are you doing now? -No idea.

I'll just start all over again.

Come here.

Come here.

Oh you.

You just want my body.

So what?

- [Görlitz] Swear. - [Martin] Come on, my break will be over soon.

Martin, I take you into my trust. You could reward that more.

-Swear. -Good, I swear.

Not so! If someone sees us!

Come here. Here.

What's that about?

A man spoke to me. From the West.

He's very keen on everything from the GDR.

Especially things that have to do with the military and the police.

-He pays a lot. Good money. D-Mark. -For that stuff?

Yes. I've already had three deliveries. I can hardly keep up with the goods.

I get in there big.

They even sell pieces of the wall to New York! It all came on the radio!

Where did you get the things from?

You have to know the right people. A bit of tact.

You could ask around in other cities for me . As my partner.

Are you crazy? You can go to jail for that.

Who should control me?

Even the Stasi is a toothless tiger.

I only say so much: I am no longer little Görlitz,

-which everyone makes fun of. -Honestly.

Do not touch it. This is a crazy idea.

They are currently tightening the controls at customs.

I love ... I love everyone! [mocking heckling]

All people.

But I love ... I'm committed to it!

I ask for understanding. If I should have done

then I apologize for this mistake.

But now there is another truth.

Besides these two.

Many simple and further, up to directors,

have told us a lot about inadequacies,

for which we wouldn't all be responsible.

[mysterious music]

N / A? Your car won't start

Falk?

-What you up to? -You, go home.

-Do some sport ... -Let the nonsense.

So you can talk to Schöning or to colleagues.

I know you.

-Why are you collecting the files? -Pure routine.

Ah yes. And the special camera and the films from the technology?

Do you know what the advantage is of being old-fashioned?

You know many who owe you something.

Don't worry, we're just talking to each other here.

-What do you want? -Know what you're up to.

-Where you are standing. -Where are you standing?

Everything's broken because of people like you .

We have a great opportunity if we all pull together.

-You are responsible! -I do take responsibility.

But we're betrayed and sold by those

that we have protected for years. We all.

Or do you just want to save your own skin?

I'll fight while it still makes sense.

But I don't go down with people to whom I mean nothing

And mean nothing to me

When the going gets tough, the only thing that matters is the family.

[Boy on TV] I recovered really well.

[Man on TV] If so ...

Our commission will today do a renovation in the old people's home ...

We need help.

[Boy] Hey dad. My last vacation days.

[Man] If the day is organized well, my son, it can be very long.

There might even be time left to prepare for school.

- [Woman] Give him the few days. - [boy] It's okay, Grandma. Where and when?

[Man] Ask Kalle Hartmann. I've already persuaded him.

[Tires screeching] [honking]

Good day everyone. May I?

-He, what's that for? -Snout!

Man, man, Görlitz.

We have known each other for so long now. But smuggling public property?

-Sabotage? Espionage? -Just a small business.

- Comrade ... - Shut up!

No problem. 'Sorry.

-They're getting out of here! -Is good!

What are we doing now, huh?

But now you have a big problem.

You know,

Citizens,

I can understand you very well.

We are all weak at times and then we need help.

I think you are at a point where you need help.

[Falk] Hm?

But guess what? I can help you.

-That would be ... I would be happy ... -Yes, yes.

You happen to be able to do something for me too, comrade.

But.

We have successfully completed the operation .

-Good job, Comrade Lieutenant. -Thank you, comrade major.

-I have a lucrative property in mind. -Very good.

The operational funds will continue to flow in the future.

You will not regret your step out of the MfS.

Thank you, Comrade Major General. I will not let you down.

[Gaucke] Castro, he did it right.

Yes. He has his country under control.

But we drop our pants at the first shot

and stretch your bare ass in the wind.

And now we let the west lay us down .

I'm sure we can get the pants back on.

You don't have to crawl in the back of me anymore, copper.

You are exactly where you always wanted to be.

And I won't spit in your soup

if that's why you're here.

-Or did someone send you? -No.

No! No.

[exciting music]

As you probably know, has been running for some time

the implementation of an order for extensive file destruction.

Big mistake if you ask me. I was always against it.

It's like blowing up your own ammunition depot in a war

for fear the enemy might conquer it.

I feel the same way.

I would like to save important material from destruction.

Oh...

The problem is to find the right files in a short amount of time .

And you had your own system for filing important files.

You no longer have access to the archive,

but I. So I thought ...

Do you know what I found particularly fascinating about you ?

Your absolute lack of backbone.

Before you would have been shot through the head for it,

but today that's what makes you so successful.

No. You can't win a war with people like you .

Everything else maybe.

-I do not quite understand. -But but but.

You do. This country, our GDR, will go to the dogs,

because nobody has an ass in their pants anymore .

And because there is nothing to fight for.

The only question is how long will it be before we kneel?

And what's next?

Therefore we should now proceed dialectically.

Stop the ramblings.

"Dialectic". I cant hear it anymore.

Do you think I'll paw my Johannes all day here ?

You want to sell your skin as dearly as possible,

when the time comes.

And I've already thought about it.

But you wo n't find the right files without my help .

You can't get to the files without me .

-There are more like you. -But not in my position.

Mr. Görlitz, you told us

that the riots on the anniversary of the GDR

were specifically instigated by employees of the MfS . How?

On me.

The demonstrators were deliberately provoked

or attacked by force. That was sometimes very brutal.

They also stated that there were orders for targeted attacks.

-Yes. -Because you got one of those.

We too should crack down on the demonstrators.

I personally didn't want that.

But it was an order, and an order is ...

You testified

that Major General Falk Kupfer gave the order to use force.

It is like this: I thought the order came from Comrade Kupfer,

but I haven't heard from him.

- You said that! -It was such a mess.

There were a lot of questions later. I was completely confused.

I heard such an order, but not from Comrade Kupfer.

-By then? -I do not know that anymore.

But you said first that the order came from Falk Kupfer.

Yes, I was angry because these riots broke out.

And because nobody dared

to hold those responsible to account.

I thought: Such an order always comes from above!

Congratulations, Falk.

All allegations against you have evaporated.

I always said the committee was kidding.

-How did you do that? -Nothing is stronger than the truth.

-Isn't that your sentence? -No.

And it sounds strange from your mouth.

I do not understand you. I just don't understand you

Any other father would be proud of such a successful son.

But with you one could really think sometimes

you are not my father but ...

[Quiet music]

How so?

If what you do makes you happy: beautiful.

But don't expect it to make me happy too.

Cold up here.

[melancholy music]

[Rock music]

[Give]

Today they are said to have shouted in Leipzig: "We are one people."

-Is that correct? -Yes.

They sent a couple of people over with strong voices.

-And BILD dictated it to you. -The Nazis would like that.

-Germany within the borders of '39. -Tada!

[Marlene] How do you look?

That looks like the leek in the soup.

-Green is love. -Red, Lisa. Red.

-I won't let anyone tell me anything. -You look terrible.

I can handle criticism too, Grandma.

- [doorbell] -This is UFO.

-Who, UFO? -UFO? A real UFO?

Yes, since the wall was open, these things end up with us too.

-Good evening. -Good evening.

Did you get this too? I hope,

because you led the unit.

Not here, Kulisch.

-Or am I just the pawn sacrifice? -We'll talk it over calmly.

[Kulisch] You set me up, you two, really set it up.

First you throw me out.

And now I'm supposed to be made a criminal.

Everyone got it. It's just an interview.

Committee of Inquiry. Do you know what that means?

We are from these subjects

the "civil rights activists" questioned in public!

-And the magistrate is taking part! -Yes right.

Our state ... I did everything for him.

And now he's allowing me to be brought up like a criminal.

[Falk] Kulisch, don't give a shit. Think of your children!

Children? My children? My children, they laugh at me.

How they laughed at the minister today !

Did you see that ridiculous old man today?

[Hans] Kulisch! Put your gun down!

-That's an order! -What's happening?

And I believed in all of that.

Kulisch. All good, take it easy, yes

[Falk] Kulisch, stop it. Kulisch!

- [shot] - [Lisa screams]

Take her away.

Come come.

[dramatic music]

Now the time has come, mother.

Our own people.

[dramatic music]