The historical interest generated by this film is significant. We are exposed to the conditions and attitudes of a pre-collectivised East German farm village, the perils of the police state, the restrictions on life and thought, the idealism of the communist youth. The lure of the West and the hope of the still somewhat porous border for those who resist.The acting of the two male leads is excellent.There is a compelling story to be told here about two men trying to get to Berlin illegally, one to the Eastern sector and one to the Western.Sadly the story is botched by numerous incomprehensible plot twists and loose ends. Why is the ending left up in the air? Are we to assume that the communist is shot and the heroes swim the Havel to freedom? Why on earth would the woman journalist accompany the man when she had a perfectly good excuse for the accident? What happens to the farmer's wife who supposedly was going to Frankfurt? Not to mention the ridiculous fight scene that leads to the apparent change of heart by the communist.This is a film to be watched once, ideally while mildly intoxicated, and enjoyed for the thrills, but not saved saved in one's library.