Stasi Prison, East Berlin, East Germany
(Squeaking doors)
Number two.
Come with me.
(Footsteps)
(Patriotic, anthemic song, "The Song of Turbulent Youth," sets in)
(Door squeaks)
Get in!
(A crow squawks)
OUR HEART AND OUR HAND FOR SOCIALISM
Children.
Orphanage, East Germany
Today is not only a new day.
For some of you, it will be the beginning of a new life.
Your parents abandoned you for a life in the West.
(Song fades)
But just because they chose
to pursue lives driven by individual ambition and greed,
doesn't mean you must also reject our ideals.
You may now be orphans,
but we are here
to take care of you.
The German Democratic Republic takes care of its children.
Peace and Socialism
at the ready!
Always ready!
You two.
Peace and Socialism
at the ready!
Always ready.
Again.
And louder!
(Whacks her stick)
Peace and Socialism
at the ready!
Always ready!
("Major Tom Coming Home" by Peter Schilling) ♪ Four, three, two, one ♪
♪ Earth below us ♪
♪ Drifting, falling ♪
♪ Floating weightless ♪
♪ Calling, calling home ♪
(Music fades out)
Kleinmachnow, East Germany
If we divert the weapons to the ANC when the boat docks in Angola
they'll never make it to Cape Town.
I'm not sure we have enough ANC comrades on the ground.
(Door closes)
Then we'll sell them to the MPLA.
(A dog whimpers)
The important thing is they get into the right hands.
So,
what are you two plotting?
Top-secret.
But you would like it.
(Dog whimpers, pants)
Listen.
Officially, I can't tell you anything. You know that.
But I asked around.
And I can tell you with absolute certainty,
Martin is alive.
And is doing well.
Really?
I'm sure.
(Sighs with relief)
Tell me everything you know.
I don't know much more. And I'm not allowed to tell you more.
Thank you.
(Voices hollering)
(Ambient music sets in)
(An echoing throb)
Microfilm?
What?
I thought my weapons deal with the Libyans was enough.
The microfilm is on top.
As a bonus.
Well-coded BND intelligence information.
It should keep the HVA analysts occupied for a week or two.
And when they finally do decode it,
they'll be rewarded with some valuable information.
And where did I get this?
From me, of course.
Like everything else.
You shamelessly used me to get everything you wanted.
(Quiet music continues)
They'll send Annett to debrief you.
How do you know?
(Music fades into silence)
Because that's exactly what I'd do.
She'll try to use Max as emotional blackmail.
Would you do that, too?
Of course.
Anything else?
Your mission.
Lenora.
After you bring her here, Mrs. Netz and the BND will be busy.
And we can disappear.
Mrs. Netz is your contact.
She'll arrange passage for the three of you.
For Lenora,
for Max and for you.
And I'll be waiting.
For you.
And for Max.
(Synth tones set in)
I'll come back.
I promise.
If you don't, I'll kill you.
(Synth turns bass-heavy)
(Electro buzz)
Get out! Go.
Faster!
Come with me!
Get out.
(Xylophone and synth tones)
Change your clothes!
(Distant shouting)
(A buzzing, a door creaks)
But where's my husband and children?
Over there.
Now move on!
Tina.
Move on!
(Synth fades)
Welcome home.
Where's my mother?
We'll surprise her.
Now?
No.
We need to go into the office first.
The others have some questions for you.
After all, you've been around the world and back.
Why didn't you stop the bombing?
I tried.
- Did you forward my message? -Mm-hm.
I couldn't stop the bomb, but I did stop the investigation.
The CIA believed you were responsible
and there was a lot of evidence pointing in your direction.
I gave them proof that you had nothing to do with it.
Oh, well, thanks.
After all, you are my only son.
(Melancholy piano tones set in)
Border Crossing, West Berlin Side
Welcome to the West.
(Relieved noises)
Excuse me, will there be more prisoners coming over here today?
I'm sorry, I couldn't tell you.
(A car drives past)
BORDER CROSSING FOR PEDESTRIANS ONLY
(The motor turns off)
Tina!
(Piano becomes more lyrical)
(Music seems to close)
Where are the children?
I thought they crossed with you and Christoph.
(Eerie buzz)
No.
(Reprise of melancholy tones)
How long have you been here?
Not long.
Oh, God.
- No, wait. - Thomas!
Wait.
(A buzz drowns out the piano)
(The piano echoes, a buzzing continues)
East German Foreign Intelligence Service HQ, East Berlin, East Germany
(Intermittent drumming)
(A high pitched note over the drumming)
SPECIAL OPERATING PROCEDURE
(A door opens)
He's here.
(The door creaks, breaks the silence)
Welcome back, Comrade Rauch.
And thank you.
Your service to the nation during your time abroad
has not gone unnoticed.
I was teaching Angolan children German for three years.
Exactly.
Faust was very well received.
The kids understood what it means to bargain with the devil.
You have also had considerable success in the field.
If you could now learn to send us your reports regularly...
Gladly.
If you promise not to leave me on my own out there next time.
I understand that you have now infiltrated the BND?
Indeed.
Wonderful.
I'm off to the annual Party members' celebrations in Rostock.
Our ship...
At the request of Comrade Dietrich, we chose the name of a woman this time.
The MS Rosa Luxemburg sets sail tomorrow.
And I look forward to a full report upon my return,
Comrade Schneider.
Shall we begin?
You play the piano now?
(Door opens)
So.
Coffee?
It's the good stuff.
I'd rather not.
Are you sure it's not contaminated?
Dead certain.
All right. Can we start?
Let's start at the beginning.
Born in Munich in 1952.
168cm tall, red hair,
no children.
It says she's the wife of the West German Trade Commissioner to South Africa.
But in fact she is a secret operative for West German intelligence.
What exactly is your question?
What is the nature of your relationship with Brigitte Winkelmann?
Brigitte Winkelmann is a sensual,
emotional woman
who feels trapped in her marriage.
The easiest way to access her was to form an intimate, sexual relationship.
If that's what you want to know.
But the intercourse was purely for professional purposes.
(A spoon taps crockery)
I met her in Cape Town
and then ascertained she was a BND agent
working with enemy factions in southern Africa,
such as the SADF and UNITA.
So I decided to seduce her.
Through her I got very interesting information.
She's the only woman,
and the only West German, on a top-secret terrorism task force.
Sharing intelligence cross-nationally among Western allies.
Sounds like a tough nut to crack.
Not really.
(Sighs)
So you spent most of the month of April together in Paris?
Yes.
The task force is located in Paris.
"The soft, the supple step and sturdy pace,
that in the smallest of all circles turns
moves like a dance of strength around a core
in which a mighty will is standing stunned."
(Bemused pause)
What was that?
Rilke.
A poem
about a panther in Paris.
The panther in that poem lives in a cage.
I've always wanted to see Paris in the spring.
Does Brigitte Winkelmann know you're here?
Yes.
She thinks I'm working for her.
HVA 101, old school.
Right?
(Film case clacks, its echo extends)
- What's that? - Secret BND files.
On microfilm.
(Ambient synth tones)
Hartmann can get the information analyzed.
As soon as we know what's on there,
we'll feed her disinformation.
Through me.
Ah, so now you're a double agent?
No, a double agent works for two organizations at the same time, Annett.
I'm 100% loyal to only one organization.
The HVA.
- Does that mean you're here to stay? - Where else would I go?
Paris, maybe?
Are there familial reasons why you would want to stay here?
Max.
I'd like to see him at some point.
"At some point."
Sadly, he's not home right now.
- Where is he, then? - Well...
On a trip.
With his kindergarten.
There's no rush.
Good.
(Street bustle)
Their names weren't on the list for today's crossing.
Why would they send me over but keep my family?
It... must be an administrative error.
They'll come over with the next exchange.
Let's go back to my place and figure out what to do next. You...
You need some rest.
I can't leave.
Tina, please.
Christoph was in the same prison as I was.
He's probably still there.
But where are Sandra and Steffi?
(A synth buzzes)
They could be anywhere.
And if by some terrible administrative error
they're sent over here in the middle of the night?
And I'm not here?
Then they'll think...
(Eerie keyboard tones)
Is it possible that Martin Rauch is involved in this?
Martin Rauch? Why?
Why Martin?
I don't know. I just crossed paths with him.
He was heading into East Germany.
(A doorbell buzzes)
Mama.
Hey.
(Nervous giggling)
It's okay.
Hey.
I'm back.
Oh, God.
Are you all right?
(Suppresses tears)
I'm fine.
It's okay.
I'm fine.
(Sighs, laughs for joy)
You lost weight.
- Does anyone else know you're here? - It's all official, Ingrid.
Come here.
Do you have tea?
- Milk is not a good idea. - Hm?
Why?
The radiation.
We are speaking openly about Chernobyl.
Of course. Then we'll drink black tea.
From China.
Mama, why are you living in such a small apartment?
It is a bit small. But it's warm and comfortable.
Why is my mother living in a small apartment?
It's warm and comfortable, she likes it.
- Is this a punishment because of me? - Now.
Let's have some tea!
The house was too much for me
after the operation.
Walter was kind enough to find me a new apartment.
"Kind enough?"
What's wrong with you?
The waiting list for a place like this is ten years.
Hm.
Do you have visitors?
Lenora has been staying with me with her friend Rose.
- Rose? - You know her?
Don't worry. There's room for everyone. I'll make up a bed for you, hm?
Where are they now?
They're away
for a celebration.
Rostock.
Hotel Panorama, Rostock, East Germany
(Synth melody sets in)
Welcome.
HOTEL PANORAMA WELCOMES THE DISTINGUISHED S.E.D. COMRADES
Enjoy your stay.
(Bustle, chatter)
Hello.
- Hello. - Rauch and Seithathi.
Please fill this out.
- You're only staying one night? - Just one night.
And just one bed.
It'll be very nice weather tomorrow.
Sunny.
Like in Africa.
Really?
I heard that the radioactive cloud is headed straight for Rostock.
Don't worry.
We'll go to the sauna and just sweat it out.
(Ominously booming synth)
Yes.
The communication system for Vula must have arrived today.
We need to send a message to Sanjev as soon as possible.
(A whooshing)
(Whooshing fades, kisses are exchanged)
(Ominous, industrial tones)
Café Wedekind, West Berlin, West Germany
(A piano tinkles)
- What will you drink? - No time, thanks.
I have to leave for Switzerland.
- But you just got here. - I know, I know.
It's just for one night.
I'm finished with this job.
What?
I know Cape Town has been hard for you. So far from Germany, from your mother.
This is my last work trip.
- Where are you going? - Bonn.
I thought you said Switzerland?
I meant Bonn.
I'm going to Bonn to hand in my notice.
(Stutters slightly)
But your whole life...
Yes, it's been long enough.
We need more time together.
You and me, somewhere in the countryside.
We could go to the chalet in Austria for a few months.
Just...
to relax.
That would be great.
What would I be without you?
- See you tomorrow, sweetheart. - See you tomorrow.
(The piano continues)
(Piano meanders to a close)
How did Max react to my letters?
Was he happy?
You gave them to him, right?
Not yet.
He's only three.
Someday the time will come for the boy to read the 100 letters
from a man he's never met.
Where are those letters?
At my house. Don't worry.
In a box somewhere.
In a box somewhere?
- Martin. - No, Mama.
Wait, I'm trying to understand this.
You never wrote to me when I was a child. You never called or came by, either.
Not once.
You were the crappiest father a son could have.
Do you know that?
And when I try to do a better job,
and write letters to my son, you put them in some box?
And you think that's all right?
Do you have a box full of letters for me?
I'm old enough. You could read them to me now.
You must be hungry, Martin.
Let Walter go back to work. I'll make you something to eat.
Yes, I have to leave.
I still have to organize a few things
for the workers' cruise.
- Everyone's else is going to Rostock. - I'm not.
I do all my work from my desk.
(Door opens)
(Piano sets in, door closes)
Thomas!
Hey.
I wanted to see if I could help.
Well, she'll sit here for the next ten years.
- She has to come home and sleep. - I know.
Tina.
I'm Maike, Thomas' girlfriend.
I spoke to our friend, Tischbier.
He works with the government on the East-West exchanges.
He worked on yours.
He says we can go see the Ministry tomorrow.
And if that doesn't work,
we'll go to the press.
To the press?
That could backfire. She ended up in jail after we played her tape on public radio.
Thomas, that was a mistake.
What did you do?
(Strings set in)
I accidentally played the tape you made on the radio
I'm sorry.
We'll do everything to get the kids on the list for the next round, okay?
Come on.
Please come home.
Leave me alone. Go away.
- Tina, please. - No, go away!
Tina, please.
No!
I don't want...
Tina, I promise...
I want my children back!
(She wails)
(Music rises, falls)
I promise everything will be alright. Okay?
(Classical piano etude)
I'LL BE BACK SOON
(Piano echoes, fades away)
(Classical music, wind instruments)
I received confirmation from Sanjev.
He's just waiting for our go-ahead.
He'll help to divert the weapons
into the hands of the MK comrades during the landing in Angola.
Very good.
I'm just sorry we'll be separated again.
But not for long.
Have I told you already?
What?
I've already booked my ticket back to Cape Town.
(Giggling)
(Kiss)
We'll meet in a week.
Be very careful.
The SADF has mercenaries everywhere.
You know that.
(Chatter, bustle)
Comrade Seithathi.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
- Comrade Rauch. - Comrade Fuchs.
I will be pleased to accompany the distinguished workers on the boat
and teach them about the perils of imperialism.
And I'm sure you'll make sure they understand
why South Africa must finally be freed from apartheid.
Hm. Is everything set for tonight?
Our ship will set sail after sunrise.
Everything is ready.
Excellent. I have to go to my room.
Why is he in such a hurry?
Hm.
Something personal. Not of interest to us.
(Echoing, suspenseful synth music begins)
Yesterday was pretty slow.
But now things are heating up.
We've got every room wired for audio,
and the suites and upper two stories all wired for video as well,
as per instructions from Berlin.
Let me know if I should be aware of anything.
And no wiretap in my suite.
515.
And a safe backchannel to Moscow. Got it?
Yes, Comrade.
My God...
(A droning drowns out the synth)
(Beep of surveillance instruments)
(He hums)
Nice show.
(A rushing noise)
Can I help you?
How rude of me.
My name is Krönert.
Operations Staff for Marcus Fuchs.
I'll be looking over your shoulder today.
(An urgent beeping)
Best show in town.
Better than Western TV.
Local SED chiefs, regional politicians, factory bosses.
Mayor of a small town in Dresden,
Party faithful, blah-blah.
Now we know
about his hidden SS tattoo.
Whereas this guy, a block warden from Lichtenberg,
knows we've got eyes and ears on him.
Turns out the lights to undress.
(He laughs)
Why do we need all this information?
To protect the state and its citizens.
- From whom? - From themselves.
Who else?
(Background synth grows louder)
What...
(A dizzy, falling sound)
Have we got audio in that room?
Are you kidding me?
(White noise)
See you at the docks in 30 minutes.
Let Sanjev know we're ready to go.
I can't hear anything.
I'm sure it's just dirty talk.
You always think women are different.
But I can tell you stories.
See you later.
(Modem tones)
What's she doing there?
Is that some kind of voodoo?
Sure.
(Telephone receiver clatters)
What room number is this?
515.
Aha.
Cut the feed.
I'm sorry?
He's our superior. Have some respect, please.
That's an order, Comrade.
Cut the feed, now.
(Eerie synth tones)
(A driving beat sets in)
ANC Safehouse, Cape Town, South Africa
(Modem dialing tone)
Do you have a problem with the fact
that the money comes from
selling weapons to the Apartheid regime in South Africa?
(Radio piano music)
And that we're smuggling West German weapons?
Well...
The regime will get weapons one way or another.
If we don't smuggle them, someone else will.
But then that someone else also earns the money. Right?
Yes, that's right.
(Piano fades, a droning sets in)
We should make the Wall greener.
(Piano returns)
Greener?
Greener.
More attractive.
An architect friend said
we should exchange it for raspberry bushes.
I don't know... -It looks more peaceful,
it's prettier,
and...
it's cheaper. Yes.
(Laughter from the off)
(Engaged tone)
(Echo of instruments)
Operator.
Yes.
A West German number.
And this?
- Exactly. - And this?
(Inhales with pleasure)
Thomas Posimski.
- Thomas... - Unfortunately I'm not home.
Leave a message after the beep.
(Beep)
Thomas, it's me.
(A whoosh, a beeping)
(Urgent beeping)
Do it.
- Yes. - We have to...
We still need to...
freshen up the buildings along Honecker's parade route.
It only needs a lick of paint
for the first two stories.
The General Secretary never actually leaves his car.
He won't see anything above that.
Does Honecker know what's going on with our Operation Love Boat?
No.
It's top-secret.
Yummy.
(A ship's horn)
Rostock Docks, East Germany
(Ignition, motor noise, suspenseful music)
(Eerie tones, a dog barks)
Stop!
(Indistinct shouting)
(Indecipherable buzz, voice-like music)
Mrs. Neid?
Mr. Winkelmann.
Are you here to oversee the loading personally?
No, I'm here to speak with you.
Already so nervous?
If this thing gets out,
it will ruin my career.
It will ruin my life.
So here's your choice.
Either, I go public and blow this deal
before it happens,
or you give me enough money to disappear.
Disappear?
Yes.
How much do you want?
250,000 DM.
250,000.
In this account.
By the end of the week.
Or all of this will be on the evening news.
Goodbye.
(Voice-like music)
(Distant voices)
(Industrial soundscape, voices)
(English) How is it, Kolibri?
So where is Rose Seithathi?
- Who? - No, don't do that.
You know who I'm talking about. You're spymaster Martin Rauch.
What do you want with her anyway?
I gotta make sure that certain cargo gets into the right hands.
Okay, I got clients. They got a bit concerned that an ANC operative
is involved with a sale of arms to the South African Defense Force.
Now that's a fuck-up.
How do you explain that?
- Money. - Money.
When did everybody get so greedy?
Right?
When did everything get so fucking complicated?
Nah, it's simple.
I just need to find that black bitch Seithathi and...
(A shot rings out, he falls)
(Tribal-like drumming music sets in)
Rose!
(Vocals over drums)
(Shouting voices)
Rose!
(Drumming ceases, quiet keyboard takes over)
West Berlin, West Germany
This isn't enough to bring the kids over here.
(Sound fades to silence)
(A car hoots)
(A tape rewinds)
Thomas, it's me. I need you to do something for me now.
Buy a platform ticket at Zoo Station.
When the 6:30 p.m. from Rostock via East Berlin arrives, board it.
In the bathroom in the middle carriage, there's a roll of film hidden.
Get it to the press.
Maybe you can get Steffi and Sandra out of East Germany with it.
I don't know if what you've heard makes sense.
I made a mistake and am trying to rectify it.
Can you stay in case my sister wakes up?
Sure.
Thank you.
(A hesitant piano resounds)
Yesterday, Luise was the lucky one.
Today, some more of you might get the chance to leave here.
For a new home.
And...
new parents.
Good socialist citizens of the workers' and peasants' state.
Mr. and Mrs. Keller,
pick a child. Or two.
Please.
(Strings set in)
(Melancholic piano and strings continue)
(Silence)
(Eerie music fades in)
Subtitles: Matthew Way