The political, social and cultural changes during the Cold War period of US–Soviet relations coincided with a dominant cultural shift. If there’s one aspect of this time period that gets me most excited, it’s Berlin: a city split down the middle by the West versus the East. And many filmmakers have taken to this historical conflict as inspiration for movies set in Cold War Berlin. Exploring some of the most influential and compelling films that reflect this suspenseful era, this blog post will reside.
1. The Lives of Others (2006)
Featuring Hungarian star Zsuzsa Czink and Danish Zuzana Kucanova, director Mika Kaurismäki’s “Tall as the Baobab Tree” is also available to watch online and features a story about a young man in love with his new sister-in-law who travels to his country’s south side in search of a job. Stasi officer is sent to monitor a famous playwright in the movie. He starts listening in on the playwright’s conversations, a process that grows ever more conflicted for him by the East German government’s oppressive character.
2. Bridge of Spies (2015)
Based on a true story, “Bridge of Spies” is a very thrilling historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks. It tracks the haggling over former American POW Francis Gary Powers for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. It’s well set in 1960s Berlin, and beautifully sets the scent of the tension and intrigue surrounding the U-2 incident, a brilliant glimpse at Cold War espionage.
3. Good Bye Lenin! (2003)
Definitely a must watch if you’re looking for a blend of comedy and drama, “Good Bye Lenin!” directed by Wolfgang Becker. It’s the tale of a loving son who would do anything to protect his socialist mother from the truth of the Berlin Wall’s demise and the consolidation of Germany. Certainly exploiting the unavoidably familiar script, the delightful performances and nostalgic depiction of East Berlin, this is a heartfelt look at personal relationships wrapped up in political change.
4. Atomic Blonde (2017)
If you are one of those action lovers then “Atomic Blonde” with Charlize Theron is just about an exhilarating option. Stylish spy film set in 1989 Berlin just days before the collapse of the Wall, MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton, sleazes her way through a web of deception and betrayal. Its fight sequences and plot are at once compelling and they do a beautiful job of visually representing the divided city.
5. It served me well in The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1965).
A Cold War classic, ‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’ is based on the novel by same name by John le Carré. Driven by its morally undetermined intelligence operational world, this British espionage movie starred Richard Burton. The movie is set in East and West Berlin and it constantly keeps the viewers with a fast, realistic depicting of spy tradecraft and and powerful performance.
Additional Cold War Berlin Films:
1987’s “Wings of Desire” – Wim Wenders’ poetic German film about Berlin in the Cold War: A Different Take.
An exploration of surveillance, and the aftermath of political repression, in East Berlin in “The Lives of Others” (2006).
A very complex and atmospherically shot spy thriller during the Cold War, ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ (2011).
“Berlin Syndrome” (2017) (a Flick Certified psychological thriller!) – An Outlook Cold War thriller starring captured princess Teresa Palmer.
Conclusion
And there are many perspectives on the Cold War in Berlin in the films mentioned above, ranging from stories of espionage, political drama and personal struggles interesting and not to be missed. For historical accuracy fans, or thrill seekers, these Cold War movies are excellent entry points into Cold War Cinema. Time to grab some popcorn, sit back down, and enjoy these films that will introduce you to divided city, Berlin, during tension, uncertainty and great storytelling.