Judgement in Berlin

In 1988, a courtroom drama titled 'Judgment in Berlin' hit the theatres. Directed by Leo Penn, the film was based on the book "The Wall Jumper" by Peter Schneider. The movie featured a star-studded cast with Martin Sheen (playing the lead role of Herbert Jay Stern), Sam Wanamaker (playing the judge), and Max Gail (playing prosecutor Fischer).

The story of the movie revolves around a young lawyer named Herbert Jay Stern (played by Martin Sheen). The Berlin Wall separates East and West Berlin physically and politically. Stern was a lawyer without a purpose. He was a civil rights attorney in the United States who had fought for racial justice in America but had given up his practice because he felt it had all been for nothing. Now, he was just going through the motions of his profession.

One day, Stern's life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses the border between East and West Berlin to defend an East German teenager named Alex (played by Heinz Hoenig) who had attempted to cross the wall illegally. Alex is eventually found guilty of attempted murder for shooting a border guard during the incident, and his case sparks an international controversy.

Stern finds himself in a cold and unfamiliar territory, with a language barrier and different legal practices. He receives hostility from the prosecution and the judge, and faces an uphill battle to defend his client. He also has to navigate a society where the government controls what people can read, watch and say.

Throughout the film, Stern's character evolves from being a disillusioned lawyer to a fighter for justice against all odds. His determination to ensure a fair trial for Alex takes him through various twists and turns. The drama unfolds as Stern attempts to uncover the truth behind Alex's actions and the government cover-up that surrounds the case.

The movie's strength lies in its portrayal of how the legal process can be influenced by politics and propaganda. The film highlights the harsh realities of life under an oppressive regime, as well as the power of the human spirit to stand up for what is right.

The acting is powerful, especially Martin Sheen's portrayal of a man who finds a new purpose while trying to defend his client. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Wanamaker and Gail delivering nuanced performances. The cinematography is excellent, capturing the cold, grim realities of a divided city.

Despite its slow pacing, the movie manages to offer a thought-provoking story of justice, morality, and the complexities of the legal system under a totalitarian regime.

Overall, 'Judgment in Berlin' is a gripping courtroom drama that offers a poignant commentary on the social and political pitfalls of the era. The complex and nuanced characters, along with the film's exceptional acting and cinematography, make this movie worth watching for anyone interested in Cold War history or legal dramas.