Original subtitles

People and their colors:

Sara Bender, clerk Peter Koch, her boyfriend

Silvia, Sara's older daughter Seelig, Sara's superior

(man) What is it?

Does Marek live here? I ... I want to congratulate.

Good morning. Good morning.

Come on.

Do you want a drink? No, thank you.

That's him.

Hey! Wake up!

Good luck.

Hello?

I brought you something.

I wanted to say congratulations.

We got a lot in here. Bugs. Let's take a walk!

Good morning!

You sleepyheads!

Get out of bed! I don't believe this ...

Get up, my darlings! The mattress is on fire!

Five more minutes. You're mean.

Yes, very mean. Go! Get up, you mice!

It doesn't get any prettier than this.

Mom!

Can I use your lipstick?

Me too.

I have the most beautiful daughters in the world.

Every mother says so. With you it's true.

We met our plan target for the 1st quarter at 113 percent.

Four percent more than in our commitment!

But we have a gap in March. 50 of the K 1520 went out here.

But VEB Außenhandel only got. 46 pieces. What do you say to that, Britta?

We took over the numbers. from the production.

Four computers missing. I don't want to not accuse anyone, but ...

Stop it, Horst! These Calculators don't exist.

Sara! Not again Inappropriate heckling!

50 is a nice number. Fits right in with the target.

This is not going on the record!

Mrs. Bender will be excluded from the meetings.

Then I can sleep longer.

Comrade Sandfoot, with you. there's a review.

I feel sorry for Britta.

Several harassed her since. her boyfriend left for the West.

I think she drinks on the sly.

I guess she was very much in love with the. guy. Did he check in from over there?

ask Britta herself. Do you have the data carrier? Yes.

Phone

Bender.

(laughs) Yeah, I'm coming.

Commrade Chef? Yes.

Then have fun.

There were only 46 of them! I made the final check.Seelig knows the numbers.

He has a thick party record. You didn't say a word!

My mind was elsewhere. I know.

Have you thought about how to get out get out of it?

Say something like that. Don't.

With our wedding. You can't take a joke.

Mr. Koch, the messages have to go out. I have to go anyway.

Thank you, Mrs. Kunze.

Bye!

Bye.

Piano Music

Next, please.

Thank you.

Hello, my treasures! You're already here!

How was school?

Oh! Geography work back?

What is it, little violet?

Today was the audition. for the performance group.

They rejected me.

I'm not good. That's not true.

Katja was taken in. She can do much less than me.

Katja Grambow? I can explain that to you.

Me in the performance group: that. should be my surprise.

To the wedding! Thank you, honey!

We're gonna be late!

How much longer is this going to take? Sara!

What are you three doing there?

We still have to pick up the flowers!

Girls singing the wedding march.

Excuse me.

Good morning! Good morning!

Hello, Mommy! Well, my boy?

Good morning.

How are you? Good. Nervous?

I have weak knees. I'm happy for you.

What if I faint now? I'll catch you.

Why are you so late? We wanted to increase the excitement.

You're tense. Sara's skirt is too short.

Then you have something to get excited about.

Where is my father? I haven't seen him yet.

He was going to leave at night.

The Bender and Koch families please come to the wedding room!

My Father is not here. Then we have to get married without him.

He I'm sure he's in the border traffic jam. We're waiting.

This could take hours! I'm sure he wouldn't mind.

This day is very important to him. I'll only get married if he's there.

Good morning! Please come. I have to keep my appointments.

Can you prefer this pair? It's not common.

Perhaps as an exception? I have no decision-making power.

Decisional power? We want not go to war!

Mrs. Bender!

You will need a new posse, if you miss the deadline,

A messenger brought this. I had to sign for it.

You can't just go in there! I can.

Stop. Stop! Stop right there! Wait until you are called!

An emergency! My father has been in an accident.

He's in Helmstedt. at the hospital.

I need a visitor's permit. for the FRG. Emergency, please!

You're not doing yourself any favors here. It's not about me.

You have a blocking notice. What does that mean?

You are known by us. You read capitalist magazines.

They listen to Western music. This is ridiculous.

I have reports of. statist statements.

I say at the Combine. only the truth.

They were expelled. from brigade meetings.

They insult the state and the party. I have my own opinion.

Don't worry, I'll be back. I have two children.

I don't look at a mother, whether she loves her children.

Please let me to my father.

He is seriously injured. In the hospital. Please!

It doesn't say "seriously injured." Otherwise you don't send a telegram.

The Telegrammm trick is old. Do you think about ...

Here were already very gifted "actors"!

I don't think the bond to your father is that strong.

You grew up with your mother. Growing up.

A capable comrade.

Her father went to the without family. West. They were nine years old.

Were you not disappointed? He was a republic fugitive.

My father left for. professional reasons.

My mother did not want to leave her home.

He always regretted that he didn't take me with him.

Do you regret this too? Yes!

Make an application.In writing. The processing can take weeks!

This first lieutenant knew everything, the little capitalist gaffe!

Clearly who is the informer in the company.

That's why Silvia didn't make it. in the performance group!

Do you have any work to do here? No.

Yet! I'll take that rejection.

Leave the house! I'm going to the ministry!

Otherwise we'll have to arrest you.

I can't go home now!

You stand out, that's why. you don't get an exit.

Maybe. might go it your father better. We'll try calling.

Sara?

Sara?

Dramatic Music

Where have you been?

Half an hour ago. A call came in for you.

From Helmstedt.

I have to call the school, that the girls aren't coming.

Let the company know. that I'm not working today.

I'll do it for you.

Wait, Sara. Are you okay?

I'm sorry.

I'm very sorry.

Is Grandpa dead?

He came out of the office and sighed ... Good morning.

Sincere condolences. I thought of you often.

Thank you, Britta.

I'm very sorry too.

How old was your father?

He was an engineer at. Siemens. Right?

It's hard to lose your father to lose.

Do not choke on your falseness. Excuse me?

You wrote reports about me! What are you talking about?

That's why I couldn't see my father anymore!

It's your own fault. Troublemakers Just aren't allowed to travel.

Don't you have to vomit out of disgust with puke all the time from yourself?

Did you have my sunglasses?

After the movie TV. Turn off. Behave yourselves!

Please pass the sherbet.

Phone rings.

Bender.

(Male voice) Conversation off. Hanover. I'll connect you

Papa? Mrs. Bender? This is Marlene Engel.

I'm visiting a soon. cousin in Dresden.

I'd like to meet you. No interest.

Your father ... ... is dead. Goodbye.

He would have been very pleased.

Would you rather we stay here? No. I'm ready.

Goodbye, treasures! Yes, bye.

I was there as a child with my parents at the Baltic Sea.

My father said that beyond. the horizon goes on and on.

This was very exciting.

On the way home, my parents were arguing. my parents were arguing.

Three weeks later. my father was gone.

Well, what is it? It's still way too cold.

Don't be afraid of the water. Come on!

Thunderstorm. It thunders powerful and long.

I think this will pass quickly.

I want to apply to leave the country. make.

Ach so.

I wish that you do the same.

We were going to get married. Yes. But not here anymore.

Do the kids know about this? I'm telling don't tell them until it's worked out.

I'm 42 years old, here. born and raised.

When I was 24, I wanted to leave so badly. That's when my father died.

Not everything is great here.

But we can't all run away!

We are a country under construction ...

I like my job. Over there I have to start all over again.

My mother is no longer young.

I don't want to leave her alone. She likes to be alone.

I don't want to go without you. Neither do the girls.

Good. Let's start a new life.

What?

I didn't think, that it would be so easy.

I'll do anything for you.

Good morning, Horst! I have to tell you something.

Nothing nice about saying "you."

You will be working immediately in the packaging department.

I think I'm overqualified for this.

Clear your space, please.

How much do I make then?

610 marks. Usual for unskilled work. Half my current salary!

Withdraw the application for departure.

Then you can go back to work as. Technical Director.

How petty you are ...

Goodbye. Bye.

Comrade Hailer!

Your seat.

Yes.

Children singing with clear voices. the "Song of the Little Trumpeter."

Silvia and Sabine Bender! Silvia and Sabine Bender!

Will you please come?

I must tell you that you not allowed to go to pioneer camp.

Why not? We didn't do anything!

I'm sorry.

Then you don't go at all. But Mom!

I want to study and become a doctor. Become a doctor. I have to go!

You're going to be a doctor. I promise.

Now keep brushing your teeth!

I see something black, in the back. in the corner. You too!

Good afternoon! Good afternoon. Just a moment, Mrs. Bender!

I have something for you.

Police, passport and registration office.

And? Can you pack your bags?

Good morning, Mr. Koch. Good morning.

Then I'll get the letter soon too. I keep making requests.

Until they let us out.

(both) Good morning! Good morning.

They won't let us go! Sara, come to your senses!

You were expecting the cancellation! Sara ...

You don't want to leave! Not so loud.

I can come to terms with certain things.

Yes. I can't find myself anymore.

Doorbell

Hello! - Good afternoon.

Are you Sabine? - Yes.

Mom! Here's a Woman from the West!

Yes?

Hello, Mrs. Bender. I'm Marlene Engel. Good afternoon.

I tried to call you ... - Our line is blocked.

I noticed. That's why I come myself.

I am officially with a cousin in Dresden.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Klapprath!

Come on.

Did you bring us something? - Yes, I did I.

(both at the same time) What do you want? I know you ...

You are so different from my mother.

I understand if you don't like me.

I don't know you.

But the thought that my father had a new life in the West ...

They were the most important part of this life.

Milk? No, thank you.

I brought you something.

Thank you. My daughter likes these Biscuits a lot. I know.

But this is more for you.

You should get this, If something happens to your father,

He was given the pendant as a gift. As a young man.

He was in Irkutsk during the war. He told me about it when I was little.

How did he died? Were you with him?

Did he ask for me? He never regained consciousness.

Sara cries.

Sara, if you and the girls need help. need: you can count on me.

Thank you, Mrs. Angel. I'm sorry, If I ... forget.

I'm Marlene.

That's a beautiful bird. Go back to sleep, my darling.

What's great here? Our house.

I don't understand ... We were going to look for a new home together.

But no house!

It's wonderful. It's dilapidated. Where did you get that?

Look! Very old fruit trees! I'm afraid so.

Come on. Look how much space!

Silvia can do whole here! ballet performances!

The wallpaper is damp. It just needs fresh air.

Look at the floor. We're laying new.

Maybe we'll find a treasure under the floorboards.

Here we need one.

We get the house quite cheaply. Otherwise it would be a cheek.

I have some saved up. East money is not enough.

You have foreign currency. Excuse me?

I was hungry for cookies. I don't want this old house.

We can make something out of this. Make something out of it. With a lot of work.

I'm not spending the money on it. What are you planning to do with it?

You said yourself they won't let us go.

Now you're completely insane! Such a risk!

For a life of freedom.

Beyond the horizon goes. it goes on and on ... Sara!

You believe in a pipe dream. It's no better over there.

This state, like ours, suffers from. the imperfection of man!

Why are you yelling at me? What do you believe in? What do you live for?

If you go that way ...

Sexually it works out well. Third child already ...

Do you still want kids? Now you have a house?

I'm not sure yet. I thought everything was clear.

Peter has lost weight. Unlike me.

When are you catching up on your wedding? Later.

Silvia told me she's not going more to the ballet. Yes.

Fit in a little: It's not hard.

I don't say either. anything I think.

When I get angry, I bake a cake.

I love you, Eva. But I can't bake.

Catch him!

The roast is saved. roast?

Just kidding.

I can't help it.

Peter ...

I'll get my stuff tomorrow.

Britta?

Hello.

Is it true that Jochen now has my job?

Yes. But we have full of complaints.

He's too stupid, to check calculators.

He has to control his colleagues. Classic double bind.

Can we talk for a minute?

Did you know the escape plans of your friend?

The Stasi asked me that. for three weeks. And?

I wanted to go, but ...

I got scared.

I helped him.

Ask for Marek. Say, you want to congratulate him.

The bathroom.

Does Marek live here?

I wanted to say congratulations.

Shit!

The road leads through Romania, Yugoslavia, Austria.

You need visas for Romania. We'll get the rest of the papers.

No word to the children! 30,000 marks West. 5000 down,the rest over.

A lot of money up front. Can we do business now?

This is not a deal for me!

That's not what I meant.

Has something happened?

This can't be happening! - What do we do now?

Hang up again. The microphone Has to go somewhere else, of course!

God!

Look what mommy made! O dear.

This is my hair clip. It's late!

My braces! Open your glub eyes.

I don't have googly eyes! Look at you!

This is mine. Don't throw always throw your stuff around!

Silvia lost my braces. What were you doing there?

Nothing.

Typical! Always the little one!

Do I get your lipstick? Not for school.

Voices are heard.

The route has changed. The crossing is at Severin.

Are there any problems? Do you have the money?

Will everything work out?

Here is the itinerary. You are at Severin on Tuesday afternoon.

Wait at the Hotel Seberina. Seberina ...

The contact man will lead you all to. a meeting point on the banks of the Danube.

A boat will take you to Yugoslavia. What if I ...

Sneezing

Health! Fucking weather!

Better go south. In the BRD the weather is like here.

I wish you the best of luck.

So, here goes.

Then we go from up there via Brasov, Bucharest straight to the Black Sea.

Great! The pioneer camp is only on the heath

Is Peter coming? No. He didn't get a vacation.

After Teplice we make the first. break. For broiler with fries.

Here we go. This is 41A.

This map continues on the 48th.

You tell me where to go. Then we won't get lost.

Peter?

Oh! Comrade Koch is today at the Dresden plant.

I wish you a relaxing holiday, Mrs. Bender. Thank you.

Maybe you'll be after this. not so nervous anymore.

Comrade Hailer does the work as well as you do.

I would work to get. you get your post back.

Because you are a good ... Bye, Horst.

I wish you all the happiness in this world, little Kerstin.

I want you also be happy.

Maybe the distance good for you and Peter.

I have something for you.

Are you crazy? For the sleepless nights.

But that's your ...

Sara.

I have to go now.

I knew this day would come eventually.

Doorbell

I just wanted to tell you, I take I don't blame you for your decision.

I love you.

Come after. Come on! I'm a coward.That's why you're leaving me.

I'm not leaving you. Not you!

Get up, my darlings! The mattress is on fire!

(both) No ... It's so early. We are going to Romania.

I have something for you. Oh, sweet!

Well ... Come on, get up.

These are special monkeys! Lucky monkeys!

You must always watch out for them. Watch out for them. Did you get that?

Promise?

So get dressed!

Silvia!

Where are you? Come on!

We don't need him anymore. Right?

Aua! You're a pain in the ass! Give me that right now!

I'm off. You can then follow on foot.

Here! I made this extra for you!

Why didn't you tell me before? I only have dried up cookies.

This hasn't happened in ten years. When was the last time you were here?

You're not listening to me.

Sorry.

She wasn't for you. But Would you have listened to my warning?

Sara is a troublemaker. You don't understand any of this.

Did you come to insult me? I didn't want to be alone today.

Koskovje. Ilkusk. Severin. The hotel is called "Seberina." Repeat.

Good. Then we're ready to go.

Is it still very far? It can only take days.

We are looking for a nice place and. eat. Good? Yes.

Young lady, smile please! We're on vacation!

Is it picnic time already?

Papers!

What do you want in Romania?

Vacation. We're on vacation in Constantia.

Constanza.

Many good holidays.

Thank you.

Well, my treasures? Go Any better now?

Much better. I'm just very warm. Are we going to swim in the sea tonight?

We're not going to the sea.

Where to then? Over there.

Do you think I'm stupid? We want to the West. I don't think so.

It's true, Bine.

This is called "Republikflucht." Strictly forbidden!

Are we never going home again? We'll find a new home?

Where are we going to live out west? Starting in Grandpa's apartment.

Marlene is already waiting for us.

We're going back, if you don't want to.

Bullshit. Stupid that you didn't say anything.

You might have given something away. You think we can't do anything.

Eat up, we have to keep moving.

Can you help me?

Caution, the fingers!

You look like Santa! You better help your sister!

Hey, that suitcase is heavy! So Silvia!

Good afternoon. I'm Sara Bender. I Have a reservation. A triple room.

Moment.

Please do. Thank you.

Has anyone asked about us? No.

Room Two ... That way? Yes, yes.

Thank you.

What can we call you now? Leonhard? No, that's stupid.

Maybe ... Kurt! That's a good name.

My monkey's name is Kurt now. And yours? Maybe Otto?

Cracked.

Hello, I'm Otto.

How much longer do we have to wait? I don't know.

Who gets my toys in Erfurt?

(Romanian) A beer.

Please? Two sodas.

(Host) Here you go.

Speaks Romanian.

I'll pay for everything together! Mom, he's got your bag!

Stand still, you pig!

Damn!

Do we have no money now? Our IDs were in our pockets.

Do we have to go back now? No, don't worry.

Name?

Sara Bender.

I need replacement IDs urgently! I'm already writing. Don't I?

Go into your tomorrow with this. Message for new passport.

I need those papers today! Today?

No.

Mrs. Bender! You have a call!

Hello?

(Male voice) The jazz concert is cancelled. today. Do you understand?

Yes, understood.

Speaks Romanian.

Yeah, all right. See you soon!

So: address?

Where are you from? From Hanover. Timmermannstraße 17.

Citizen of the FRG?

Yes.

Hanover, FRG.

Blessed! Thank you.

No matter who asks: We are from. Hanover, Timmermannstraße 17.

You can't lie! You're right, but it has to be done.

Just this once.

So! We talked to Mrs. Marlene Engel.

She confirmed that you live there. Of course.

You are not registered in Hanover.

We didn't move there until May. I didn't manage to re-register yet.

We live in Hannover!

I'll wait here with my daughters, until we get our IDs.

No more fidgeting now. Come a little closer.

Sabine, you press the red button. Hold still!

You still need to apply for an exit visa. to the militia.

Wake up! Wake up.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Sonnenfeld. Good luck.

Hurry up! In ten minutes our train leaves for Vienna.

How long are we going? All night.

And until Hanover again so. long. Then it's done.

Sorry the car is staying here. We'll buy a new one, a really great one.

That's not why we're doing this.

Goodbye, little one. You gave us a good ride.

I read, on the train. is a dining car.

There's a specialty. from Austria: Sachertorte.

A special cake, covered in chocolate ...

Hello! Is that you throwing monkeys around?

Thank you! He's ours Here you go.

Very nice, thank you. Should I help you carry it?

If you have nothing better to do. have ... Not at the moment.

Your monkey.

Your IDs. What is this?

Your IDs! - What do you want from the woman?

We have to get to the train. Come on, kids. Leave the woman alone!

I'll help you! Keep running, keep going!

Stop right there! You're coming with me! We have to catch our train!

Diplomat! Those three are with me! Let go of my daughters!

Skim off.

I can't believe you're keeping us preventing us from going home!

Sit down. Please!

You are a citizen of the GDR.

They obtained FRG passports. by making false statements.

Work like this: honest Westerners. pick up off the street?

Won't your country be full otherwise?

You will regret your insolence. you will live to regret.

So, sit down. Leave my kids alone!

You sit down! Thank you, comrades.

You guys want something to drink?

You guys want something to drink?

So: your mommy is lying to us. You don't you don't. I'm sure you know that.

Now let's see: Do you know what the truth is? What is your name?

Bine.

Sabine Bender. I live in West Germany.

Silvia Bender, Hanover. I live at Timmermannstraße 17.

Well trained. Where do you really live? The children gave their answer.

Yeah, yeah. Nice. You know it might not:

Your mother committed a crime. This will be punished very severely.

With jail. Just don't listen.

I'm sure you don't want your mom to go to jail.

You can help her, if you tell the truth.

So: where are you at home?

Mom?

Erfurt, Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 4.

You see, lies have short legs.

Don't touch my daughters!

Lead!

Up, up. Come on, off!

Mom. Yes?

I'm sorry we ... It's my fault.

Silvia! You must never think that.

Do we have to stay in forever now? prison forever? No.

No matter what: Think remember that it will pass.

In the end, we're together again.

Swear! I swear to you!

Ladies, it's time to go home.

There's no need.

Get up, go, go.

Go.

Say goodbye now.

Excuse me? Yes.

Goodbye, Otto.

Goodbye, Kurt.

You are the bravest girls in the world.

I just want to be brave with you.

Little treasure.

My Big ... Take care take good care of yourselves.

Break it off.

Promise? Yes.

Come on, girls! Come on.

Come on, let's go. Mommy!

See you soon. again! Promise!

Hello!

Peter ...

Can I come in? Of course.

Great surprise!

I'm taking a break. You want a beer?

They got caught. Who?

Who are you talking about?

Don't kid me. She Surely has you in the loop.

I don't understand anything. - I thought they'd be over by now.

Sara and the girls? (Eva) How do you know ...

Seelig has contacts in Berlin. Sara is in custody.

You didn't tell me anything! - What about the girls?

(male voice) Are you admitting that you planned the escape for a long time?

I wanted to take my children to the Black Sea.

Is this your bag?

They were going to escape via Yugoslavia. escape. That didn't work out.

They obtained false papers in the BRD embassy false papers.

Admit that?

As a citizen of the GDR. against our constitution.

They are endangering society.

Admit that you committed a crime?

I want to live in freedom with my. daughters. That's not a crime.

Who gave you Marek's address? I don't know any Marek.

You are as stubborn as your daughter. What are you saying?

Silvia hasn't eaten in days.

I don't believe a word you say.

Ballerinas are very delicate and her daughter wants to be one.

But should your "violet" fade?

How do you know all this? How do you know this name?

Mrs. Bender, I can see into you look into you as into a glass.

You can't cook, But you sew very well.

They don't like novels because. life is more interesting.

You sit by the bedside of your at night. daughters and worrying.

You don't want. they notice on the day.

They wanted to get married, but the West beckoned. The "freedom."

Say honestly:

Do you still believe in the infinity beyond the horizon?

These are our newcomers: Silvia and Sabine.

Up is the lookout, down is the Larceny. Who wants to go where?

Silvia on top, Bine on the bottom. Chop, chop! In ten minutes the lights go out.

Children's Moan.

Stay loose. We don't look as bad as we are.

Just kidding. - Mom will be picking us up soon.

Yeah, right.

You have a visitor.

I can't stand these interrogations anymore. My ulcer is calling.

We should have allowed, for her to go see her father.

Now he's dead and we don't need them anymore.

But you were very much against it at the time.

You were always afraid, that she would run away from you.

You fell in love with her, that's your private business.

But now she's a Republican fugitive.

Add forgery. Stop it. I know the scope.

She must show remorse, Otherwise I can't do anything.

You're my friend, but Someday it will end.

I can't account for your emotional worlds. no longer answer for.

They knew everything!

They instructed the Romanians instructed, to give us exit visas.

As evidence! Someone betrayed us betrayed us. Maybe Eva?

Nonsense. Do you know anything about the kids?

They are in a home near. Dresden. They're doing fine

Sara! You have to cooperate, admit everything.

Show remorse. Say you were spiritually unclear.

If I lie and dissemble, then. so I fit into your state.

This is your state too! No.

You have the power, Sara! You'll never get away never get away once they have you.

Creep up their ass, Damn! You can't decide anything anymore.

Why are you allowed to visit me? No one else is allowed to see me.

I promise: You won't be accused if you cooperate.

You'll be psychiatrically for a short time. for a short time, then you can go home.

The children come after and everything is forgotten.

You are.

You betrayed us.

First Eva, now me? You're seeing ghosts!

Are you working for them? Look me in the face!

I love you. You and your girls.

I never want to see you again.

We still have a chance ...

Peter knocks.

(Judge) The defendant Sara Bender. is convicted

for attempted border crossing. in a serious case.

This is a crime under. Paragraph 213 of the Penal Code.

The defendant will receive three years. prison without parole.

The guardianship of the children Silvia. and Sabine is transferred to the state.

Reason: The criminal conduct of the accused.

damages the reputation of the Germans. Democratic Republic.

She knew that imperialist mass media would commit such crimes ...

Judge's voice gets. softer and falls silent.

Subtitle: Rosemarie Streibig