Where to Watch in
Free
Plot
In the gripping drama, The Flight, Dr. Schmith (Armin Mueller-Stahl) finds himself ensnared in a high-stakes game of political chess. When his revolutionary proposal for infant mortality research is initially dismissed, the disillusioned doctor plots his escape from the oppressive clasp of East Germany and secures a promising position at a West German children's hospital through a clandestine escape agency. However, fate throws a wrench in his plan when his once-rejected project receives sudden approval and he is chosen to spearhead the GDR section.
Dr. Schmith's life takes an even more dizzying turn when he finds himself entangled in a romantic liaison with his captivating new colleague, Katharina (Jenny Gröllmann). Attempting to break free from the escape agency's iron grip, he finds himself blackmailed and thrust into a dangerous whirlwind, where every decision could be lethal.
The Flight is a remarkable anomaly in East German cinema, fearlessly tackling the taboo subject of defection to the West. This riveting film, which garnered the Grand Prix at the 1978 Karoly Vary International Film Festival, marked the swan song of Armin Mueller-Stahl's illustrious career at the famed East German DEFA studios. Just two years post the film's release, he would mimic his character's daring move, fleeing to the West following professional constraints triggered by his participation in protests against the banishment of dissenting artist, Wolf Biermann.
Where to watch The Flight?
The Flight is a drama movie featuring Trude Bechmann and directed by Roland Gräf.
The Flight is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.