Night Crossing

Night Crossing

Year: 1982

Runtime: 107 mins

Language: English

Director: Delbert Mann

DramaActionAdventure

Two men want to escape from East Germany (under Communist rule) but they will only go if they can take their families with them. Based on a true story.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Night Crossing (1982)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Night Crossing (1982). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1978–1979

The story unfolds in the late 1970s East Germany, during the height of the Cold War. It follows the 1978 escape attempt and the dramatic 1979 retry by the Strelzyk and Wetzel families. State security and border patrols tighten as the plan progresses, reflecting the era's high-stakes environment.

Location

Pößneck, Thuringia, East Germany

Pößneck is depicted as a quiet East German town near the Inner German border. The border zone casts a constant watch over daily life, with neighbors and authorities attentive to any unusual activity. The backdrop of a tense Cold War era and the construction of the Berlin Wall frame the community's fear and resilience.

🏞️ Small town 🧭 Border zone 🌍 Cold War setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:46

Main Characters – Night Crossing (1982)

Meet the key characters of Night Crossing (1982), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Peter Strelzyk (John Hurt)

A determined, resourceful father who masterminds the balloon escape with his friend. He remains focused on freeing his family, showing persistence despite repeated setbacks and fear of discovery.

🚀 Determined 🧠 Ingenious

Günter Wetzel (Beau Bridges)

A steadfast partner in the plan, translating ambition into practical execution. His pragmatism and loyalty keep the project moving through technical and social hurdles.

🤝 Loyal 🧭 Practical

Doris Strelzyk (Jane Alexander)

The wife whose quiet strength anchors the escape effort. She balances concern for safety with a readiness to support the risky plan when necessary.

🕊️ Protective 💪 Resilient

Petra Wetzel (Glynnis O'Connor)

Günter's wife, who agrees to the plan partly to help a relative in West Berlin. She embodies hope for family and the desire to reunite with loved ones across the border.

🌟 Hopeful 🧭 Courageous

Major Koerner (Günter Meisner)

A stern Stasi figure who leads the border security investigation against the escapee plot. His persistence represents the regime’s relentless pursuit of control.

🎯 Authoritative 🕵️‍♂️ Relentless

Schmolk (Klaus Löwitsch)

A border official whose role ties to the security apparatus around the border zone. He embodies the vigilance and suspicion that hinder the escape attempt.

🕵️‍♂️ Surveillance 🚧 Cautious

Ziegler (Sky du Mont)

A border authority figure involved in monitoring and reacting to the balloon escape. He personifies the constant watch of the border regime.

🛰️ Vigilant 🧭 Observant

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:46

Major Themes – Night Crossing (1982)

Explore the central themes of Night Crossing (1982), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🚀 Escape

A quest for freedom drives the families to design and attempt an extraordinary balloon escape. The project becomes a test of ingenuity, patience, and resilience against limited resources. Each setback—fires, testing failures, and close calls with border guards—deepens the resolve to reach West Germany.

🤝 Family & Alliance

Two families join forces, sharing risk, materials, and secrecy under a regime of surveillance. Trust and cooperation become essential as plans move from concept to execution. The film portrays loyalty and solidarity as the backbone of the escape attempt.

🔥 Risk & Courage

The balloon project pushes dangerous limits, including improvised burners and fragile fabric. The participants confront danger, near disasters, and the fear of capture. Courage appears in bold decisions and the willingness to persevere through fear.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:46

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Unlock the Full Story of Night Crossing

Don't stop at just watching — explore Night Crossing in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Night Crossing is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Night Crossing Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Night Crossing, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Night Crossing Summary

Night Crossing Timeline

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Night Crossing Timeline

More About Night Crossing

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