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Tunnel (The) AKA Der Tunnel
R2 - United Kingdom - Second Sight Review written by and copyright: Jon Meakin (23rd March 2011). |
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The Film
 The Tunnel was made for German television in 2001 and although it cannot boast the same production quality, it is nevertheless a satisfying companion piece to the marvellous The Lives Of Others. The story, based on truth, follows German champion swimmer Harry Melchior (Heino Ferch) who flees West Germany in 1961 during the construction of the wall, and then becomes part of a group digging a tunnel back under the wall to rescue their friends and family, including Harry’s sister, Lotte (Alexandra Maria Lara). Clocking in at over two and a half hours, this is a substantial production that while never truly remarkable, is thoroughly rewarding. However, this DVD release is the theatrical version and so about 20 minutes shorter than the original TV broadcast, which is a shame, because the only real fault is how it occasionally feels like punches are being pulled. It is told with little irony or insight. For instance, an American TV crew become involved, filming the project for CBS, yet despite setting up some moral conflicts, they are largely ignored. It is a balancing act with any such true story though and while it can be accused of playing safe, it is never boring. In fact, it’s a heartfelt adventure in the tradition of The Great Escape. It’s such an incredible tale and the film does a great job in keeping a very sombre plot entertaining, funny and moving in equal measure. The lightness of touch allows it to have an air of nerve-shredding suspense, evenly paced across the long running time. And while it has no real surprises (although the death of a prisoner making a break is heart breaking and a late set-piece with soldiers is a fun caper), the steady build-up of tension is tangible as it turns into a race against time. It has one almighty dollop of sentimentality, but I can’t hold that against it, largely because it worked! The cast do justice to their real-life counterparts. Heino Ferch is a big fella with a natural, quiet charm, anchoring the film as Harry, the muscle and conscience of the group. His best friend Matthis, a tragic intellectual and the tunnel’s engineer, haunted by having to abandon his pregnant wife, is played by Sebastian Koch. It’s likely his similarly pitched role in The Lives Of Others was the impetus for this release. They are joined by impishly attractive Nicolette Krebitz who is great as Fritzi and gives the film a much needed spark. On the other side of the wall, Harry’s sister Lotte, played by Alexandra Maria Lara is dignified in hiding her desperation. On the other side of the wall, Uwe Kockisch is fantastic as the ruthless Krüger who embodies the West German threat. He brings a lot of power to every scene he’s in, including those with Harry or when he’s blackmailing Matthis’s wife (Claudia Michelsen). This is a highly recommended film. Director Roland Suso Richter has made a solid production, with occasional flashes of inspiration (the inventive lighting and sets don’t feel like a TV production) despite a lack of insight. It’s watchable, honest and moving, unashamedly entertaining in the last act at least, and we should ask little more of such an important piece of relatively modern history.
Video
The video is presented in 1.85:1 (apparently “original ratio”, but I do wonder if the TV version was matted), but non-anamorphic. While that causes some degradation in picture quality, it is otherwise a clean image throughout. It very rarely feels like the TV movie it was made as, but would really benefit from some attention for a sharper release in the future.
Audio
The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track (in German) lacks punch, but it’s clear and sharp. Only the music betrays the TV origins, but sound editing is excellent and doesn’t suffer too much without the benefit of Surround. English subtitles are also included.
Extras
Sadly, none at all. A making of feature would have been fascinating, as it could have included details on the real people involved and even footage of the CBS TV documentary. A bare-bones release is always more noticeable when it’s a true story.
Overall
The Tunnel is well worth watching in any format, but is let down somewhat by this release. It's certainly watchable, but it deserved a better presentation and extras could have given a fascinating insight into the history of the characters. Still, at a reasonable price, it would be a bigger shame to not see it at all.
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