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The Background
After Germany’s defeat in World War II, the country was divided into four zones, each controlled by one of the Allied powers: the United States, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union. Berlin, the capital of Germany, was also divided into four zones, even though it was located in the Soviet zone.
In 1948, the Soviet Union, which had become increasingly hostile to the other three Allied powers, imposed a blockade on Berlin, cutting off all road, rail, and water access to the city. The purpose of the blockade was to force the Western powers to abandon their zones in Berlin and allow the Soviet Union to take control of the entire city.
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The Crisis
The Western powers refused to give in to the Soviet demands, and the blockade led to a humanitarian crisis in Berlin. The city’s residents were cut off from food, medicine, and other essential supplies. The Western powers decided to respond with an unprecedented airlift operation.
From June 1948 to September 1949, hundreds of American, British, and other Allied planes flew non-stop to Berlin, carrying supplies such as coal, food, and medicine. The airlift was a massive logistical effort, involving thousands of people on the ground and in the air.
Berlin Airlift Source Bing.com
The Movie
The Berlin Airlift has been the subject of many documentaries, books, and movies, including the 1949 film “The Big Lift.” However, the most recent movie about the airlift is the 2016 German film “Der Himmel über Berlin” (“Wings of Desire”).
The movie is not a historical drama about the airlift itself, but rather a poetic exploration of life in Berlin during the crisis. The story follows two angels who watch over the city and its inhabitants, including a young trapeze artist and a disillusioned poet.
Der Himmel Über Berlin Source Bing.com
The Director
The director of “Der Himmel über Berlin” is Wim Wenders, a German filmmaker who has won numerous awards for his movies. Wenders was born in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 1945, just a few months before the end of World War II.
Wenders has made many films about Germany and its history, including “Paris, Texas” (1984), “Wings of Desire” (1987), and “The American Friend” (1977). His movies often explore themes such as identity, memory, and the search for meaning.
Wim Wenders Source Bing.com
The Cast
The cast of “Der Himmel über Berlin” includes some of Germany’s most famous actors, as well as international stars such as Peter Falk, who plays himself in a cameo role.
The lead roles are played by Bruno Ganz, who plays one of the angels, and Solveig Dommartin, who plays the trapeze artist. Ganz was a well-known actor in Germany at the time of the movie’s release, and went on to international fame for his role as Adolf Hitler in the 2004 film “Downfall.”
Bruno Ganz Source Bing.com
The Reception
“Der Himmel über Berlin” was well-received by critics and audiences alike. The movie won the Best Director award at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival, and was also nominated for the Palme d’Or, the festival’s top prize.
The movie was praised for its beautiful cinematography, its poetic atmosphere, and its exploration of the human condition. Many critics also noted the movie’s historical significance, as it was made at a time when Germany was still dealing with the legacy of World War II and the division of the country.
Der Himmel Über Berlin Reviews Source Bing.com
The Legacy
The Berlin Airlift is still remembered as one of the greatest humanitarian efforts in history. The airlift delivered over 2.3 million tons of supplies to Berlin, and helped to prevent a major crisis in the city.
The airlift also had a significant impact on the Cold War, as it showed that the Western powers were willing to stand up to the Soviet Union and defend their values. The success of the airlift helped to strengthen the relationship between the United States and its European allies, and paved the way for the NATO alliance.
Berlin Airlift Memorial Source Bing.com
The Importance
The Berlin Airlift and its legacy are still relevant today, as the world faces new challenges and crises. The airlift showed that even in the darkest of times, humanity can come together to help those in need.
The movie “Der Himmel über Berlin” is a beautiful tribute to the people of Berlin, and to the spirit of hope and resilience that they embodied during the crisis. The movie reminds us of the power of art and storytelling to help us understand our history and our world.
The Conclusion
The Berlin Airlift movie “Der Himmel über Berlin” is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art, or human nature. The movie offers a unique perspective on the crisis, and on the city of Berlin itself.
Through its beautiful cinematography and poetic storytelling, the movie captures the spirit of hope and resilience that defined the Berlin Airlift, and that continues to inspire us today.
