Die Luftbrücke (2005)

American pilots struggle to save Berlin from the scourge of communism in the made-for-TV German docudrama Die Luftbrücke (2005), or The Airlift. Based on historical documents and interviews, the probing film explores how a western airlift of supplies at the close of WWII helped to establish solidarity between the west and the newly emancipated city of West Berlin. Fortunately director Dror Zahavi avoids a dry, historical approach in favor of red-blooded reenactments, allowing characters to develop as though they were actual historical actors. Bettina Zimmermann is one major player who rises to the occasion by screwing in excitement while Europe transforms all around her.