Watch Night Crossing

In the midst of the Cold War, the East German government has implemented measures to prevent their citizens from escaping over the border into West Germany. Helmut and Petra, two doctors from East Germany, have decided to risk everything for a chance at a better life for themselves and their children. With the help of their friend, Peter, they construct a hot-air balloon with the hopes of flying over the border undetected.

The story begins with Helmut and Petra's meticulous planning and construction of the balloon, including their attempts to avoid drawing attention and suspicion from their nosy neighbors. Meanwhile, their children are left in the dark about their parents' plans and grow increasingly worried as their absence from the house becomes more apparent.

Later, when the family is finally ready to make their escape, they face numerous challenges including treacherous weather conditions and the constant threat of being caught by border security forces. Along the way, they meet a sympathetic American woman named Candace (played by Jane Alexander) who agrees to help them cross the border into West Germany.

The movie is based on the true story of two families who successfully crossed the border in a homemade balloon in 1979. The movie stays true to their story and reflects the true dangers of such escape attempts in communist East Germany.

One of the standout performances comes from the late actor John Hurt who plays the role of Peter, the family's friend who helps them construct the balloon. Hurt's portrayal of Peter is complex, displaying both his bravery and his fear as he helps the family navigate their escape. Jane Alexander is also impressive in her role as Candace, providing a glimmer of hope and support for the family in their time of need.

The movie was directed by Delbert Mann and produced by Walt Disney Pictures. The production team went to great lengths to recreate the era and location of the story. The film was shot on location in Austria and West Germany and the cold, austere landscapes add to the emotional weight of the story.

The balloon itself is also a major character in the movie, expertly crafted to look and feel authentic to the time period. The tension and suspense of the movie stems from the fact that the balloon is not guaranteed to carry the family safely out of East Germany. The audience is drawn in, rooting for them to make it over the border and escape to freedom.

Overall, Night Crossing is a thrilling and emotional movie that will have audiences on the edge of their seats. It tells the story of a family's courageous attempt to escape a repressive regime for a better life while also reflecting the true dangers of living in such a society. The performances from the cast, combined with the stunning production design, make it a must-see for fans of historical dramas.

Night Crossing is a 1981 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.