Watch Berlin Wall: The Night the Iron Curtain Closed

Berlin Wall: The Night the Iron Curtain Closed is a historical drama directed by Julian Jones, first aired on BBC Two in 2014. The film focuses on the historical events surrounding the night of August 13, 1961, when the East German government began construction of the Berlin Wall that would divide the city for the next 28 years. The story follows the British military attaché in Berlin, Captain Patrick Burnside, played by Tim Hardy. Burnside is initially skeptical of the rumors that the East German government is planning to build a wall but soon finds himself caught up in the events unfolding that fateful night. Burnside has to navigate the political tensions between the East German government and the Western Allies, including the French and the Americans. He is also torn between his loyalty to his country and his sense of duty to protect the German citizens caught in the middle of this brewing conflict.

Adam Kellet-Long plays Rudi, a young East German border guard, stationed at the checkpoint between East and West Berlin. Rudi is torn between his loyalty to the communist government and his love for his girlfriend, Annett, who lives in West Berlin. He also struggles with the fact that his own family is divided by the new wall. Rudi's story highlights the emotional toll that the wall had on ordinary people who were suddenly separated from their loved ones.

The film also features Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, who provides analysis and insight into the historical events unfolding on screen. Her commentary helps to place the events of the film in a broader historical context, showing how the Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War and the ideological division between the East and West.

The film uses archival footage and a realistic, documentary-style approach to recreate the chaos and confusion of that night. The tension builds as the East German government prepares to close the border, while Western Allies scramble to figure out their next moves. The film's attention to detail helps to transport the viewer back to 1961, showing the different fashions, vehicles, and technologies of the time.

Overall, Berlin Wall: The Night the Iron Curtain Closed is an engaging and informative retelling of a pivotal moment in history. The film's focus on a range of characters, from high-level diplomats to ordinary citizens, helps to highlight the human toll of the Berlin Wall's construction. The film is well-acted, well-researched, and manages to recreate the chaos and uncertainty of that night in vivid detail. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Cold War history or the events that shaped modern Europe.