A remake of "An Orphan Boy of Vienna" (1936)

My Movie Rating: 9 / 10

Ostensibly the film tells two stories: the problems faced in the grim industrial Ruhr valley by an ex-prisoner-of-war after his long-delayed return to a family that includes a son he has never seen (played by an excellent Louis Klamroth) and that managed to survive the war and its aftermath without him; and in the more relaxed atmosphere of Munich how a newly-married couple are looking to enjoy the very beginnings of the Economic Miracle. But both stories take place within a third, more important one: the totally unexpected and amazing performance of the German football team in the World Championships in Switzerland and its miraculous effect on the morale of a defeated country divided and devastated by the war.

I lived in Germany shortly after the war when I was around the same age as the young son and I was overwhelmed by the accuracy of the film's depiction of life then. We also get to see and understand the euphoria that swept through Germany at its team's performance. An uplifting film.

My Movie Rating: 8 / 10

As a football fan, this movie appeals to me indeed. It is true-to-history, honestly depicted, filled with genuine and sophisticated acting performances and based on a historical background. The entire plot centers around the boy, Matthias, and tells the story of the 1954 World Cup through his eyes mainly. He makes this movie special and revives the era of the 50s in Germany, a time when this nation was just recovering from the devastation and the scars of WWII.

The story is solid and very sincere. The acting is wonderful and the depiction of the contemporary setting is superbly staged.

My Movie Rating: 8 / 10