Watch The Miracle of Bern

The Miracle of Bern is a 2003 German film directed by Sönke Wortmann. The story revolves around the 1954 World Cup final match between West Germany and Hungary, which is considered one of the greatest upsets in the history of football. The movie is a heartwarming tale of a family reunited after the end of World War II, set against the backdrop of the football match that brought hope to a nation still recovering from the war.

The film starts by introducing the Schäfer family, who live in West Germany. The father, Richard (Peter Lohmeyer) returns home after spending eleven years as a prisoner of war in Russia. His son, 11-year-old Matthias (Louis Klamroth), is initially hesitant to warm up to his father, who he hardly remembers. Matthias, like most of Germany, is consumed by football fever, and is thrilled at the prospect of Germany playing in the World Cup final.

Richard is still struggling to adjust to civilian life after years as a prisoner, but begins to bond with his family over football. The Schäfer family's love for football eventually brings them closer together, as they watch the World Cup games on a small radio in their living room. Matthias becomes increasingly passionate about the game and idolizes the German national team.

The Schäfer family's fortunes take a turn for the better when they win tickets to the World Cup final. The family sets out on a journey to Switzerland to watch the match. The film captures the excitement in the air leading to the final match, with the Schäfer family joining the thousands of fans on their way to the stadium.

The match is one of the most memorable in the history of football, with Hungary considered the favorites. The German team, made up of mostly unknown players, is not given much of a chance. However, the film shows the incredible power of hope and faith, as the German team, despite being down by two goals, make a miraculous comeback and win the match 3-2.

The Miracle of Bern is more than just a movie about football. It is a poignant portrayal of a family struggling to come to terms with the aftermath of war, and how the beautiful game brings them together. The film also touches on the issue of identity, with the German team being made up of players from different parts of the country, who unite under the national flag. The Miracle of Bern reminds us that football can be a powerful force for unity and hope, bridging divides and bringing people together.

One of the strengths of the movie is its ability to capture the mood of Germany in 1954. It is a time when the country is still recovering from the devastation of World War II, with people looking for something to uplift their spirits. The Miracle of Bern beautifully captures this sense of hopelessness and how the game of football represents a beacon of hope.

The performances in the movie are outstanding, especially that of Louis Klamroth, who plays young Matthias. He captures the innocence and wonder of a child, who is transformed by the magic of the beautiful game. Peter Lohmeyer gives a nuanced performance as Richard, trying to rekindle his relationship with his family after years of separation. The supporting cast, including Johanna Gastdorf as Matthias' mother and Lucas Gregorowicz as the German footballer Helmut Rahn, deliver strong performances.

The cinematography in the movie is also noteworthy, with beautiful shots of Switzerland and the stadium where the final is played. The film captures the excitement and energy of the match, with clever camera angles and sweeping shots of the stadium.

In conclusion, The Miracle of Bern is a heartwarming movie that captures the spirit of hope and unity that football can create. It is a beautiful tale of a family reunited and how the beautiful game can bring people together, even in the most trying of times. The Miracle of Bern is a movie that will appeal to football fans and non-football fans alike, and is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest upsets in the history of the sport.