The Bridge

Starring Franka Potente (“The Bourne Identity”, “Blow”, “Run, Lola, Run”) in the lead role, “The Bridge” is a modern remake of Manfred Gregor’s autobiographical novel. The original movie, made in the fifties, was nominated for an Oscar and won a Golden Globe.







Only a few weeks before the end of World War II, having escaped the massive bombing throughout Germany, 16-year-old Albert and his mother finally make their way to the relative safety of a small Bavarian town.








Albert’s new classmate Walter is in the midst of a secret affair with his widowed 29-year-old teacher Elfie. Walter’s father, the local chairman of the National Socialist Party, reports Elfie to the police to end the love affair.








Shortly thereafter, Hitler’s army begins mobilizing their last troops and Albert and his new friends are recruited to help defend the area’s one main bridge. For the group of teenagers, who are proud to be involved in the war effort, the mission represents an exciting adventure.






It is not long, however, before their superiors flee, leaving the bridge’s defense completely in the hands of the inexperienced and poorly equipped recruits. What begins as a relatively unimportant operation quickly deteriorates into a life or death battle.

During the very first American bombing raid, the idealistic young men are confronted by the brutal reality of war when one in their group, Siegi, is killed.

The American forces’ advance is swift and menacing. Although Elfie makes desperate attempts to stop her lover from taking part in the useless battle, his and the other boys’ pride and blind obedience to Hitler compel them to hold their position.







They prepare for the imminent attack even as the last of their fellow soldiers drive away in defeated retreat.

The first engagement with the enemy swiftly descends into a horrific battle. Putting up a brave and stubborn resistance, the boys succeed in slowing down the Americans' advance.





Albert realizes first how hopeless their situation actually is, but Walter is insistent on continuing to defend the bridge - regardless of how many lives it might cost…