The Promise (1995) 1995

Shortly after the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961, a group of East German friends attempt a daring escape into the West. Sophie makes it, but her boyfriend Konrad is left behind. The young lovers are finally reunited in 1968 in Prague, where Konrad, now an astrophysicist, is sent to make a presentation. Although the newly pregnant Sophie wants to return with him to East Berlin, Konrad insists she remain in the West, mistakenly assuming that he'll be allowed to join her. When his plans fall through and their son is born, Sophie abruptly ends the relationship. Years of silence follow until 1980, when Konrad is allowed one more trip to the West and meets his son Alexander and Sophie's boyfriend. Konrad too is now married and a father. Nearly a decade later, during the long night of November 9th, 1989, the Berlin Wall is finally, triumphantly torn down. On a bridge, in the midst of thousands of people, three are rushing toward each other: Sophie, Konrad and their son, Alexander.