Das Wunder von Bern (2003)

Also known as "The Miracle of Bern"
Overall Score: 6 out of 10

Every nation needs a legend.

Starring: Louis Klamroth, Peter Lohmeyer, Johanna Gastdorf, Mirko Lang, Birthe Wolter, Katharina Wackernagel, Lukas Gregorowicz, Péter Franke, Sascha Göpel, Knut Hartwig, Holger Dexne, Simon Verhoeven, Jo Stock, Martin Bretschneider, Christian Broos

Director: Sönke Wortmann

Running Time: 118 minutes

US MPAA rating: N/A
UK BBFC rating: PG
Comedy, Drama

On DVD

On DVD

Come the summer of 2006, Germany will finally get what it's secretly been after for years: world domination. But, before you start thinking "oh no, here we go again", I should probably point out that I'm speaking merely in a football sense. You see, it's Fritz's turn to host the World Cup again, which means that for a couple of months all eyes will be on The Land of the Bratwurst as they turn their ruthlessly-efficient hands to organising the planet's top sports tournament.

So, with national enthusiasm for the beautiful game set to reach boiling point, the time has never been better for a good quality German fussball flick. Step forward ex-footy-pro-turned-film-director Sonke Wortmann with his stab at capitalising on Gerry's revitalised passion for the sport: 'The Miracle of Bern'.

A charming - if ridiculously simple - little film, it attempts to bring a smattering of whimsy to West Germany's historic 1954 World Cup campaign. The story focuses on 11-year-old Matthias (Louis Klamroth). With his non-ironic lederhosen and Aryan blonde look, he's every inch the German. Still, anyone who was ever picked last for playground kickabouts will find themselves instantly able to relate to him. And, despite being rubbish at actually playing the game, that doesn't stop him from being obsessed with it to the extent that when his local club - Rott Weiss Essen - are playing away from home, he has their scores brought to him by carrier pigeon (which is only marginally slower than the modern-day equivalent, Teletext). He's even managed to make friends with the local star player, Helmut Rahn (Sascha Gopel), a Brylcream-loving goal-grabber who's been called up to represent his country at the finals in Switzerland.

With an approach that's destined to curry favour with cliché-spouting commentators everywhere, Wortmann's film is truly a game of two halves. One half looks at young Matthias and his

DVD Extras: There's a trailer, which is pretty straightforward and dull - but the real gem in this package is the 10-minute reel of original colour footage from the '54 World Cup. That bit alone is a must-see for all football fans. Version reviewed: The Miracle Of Bern (Soda Pictures) Extras: 4 out of 10

It's Got: Jules Rimet still gleaming.

It Needs: Big studs for bad weather, little ones for good. Or is it the other way round?

Alternatives: Bend It Like Beckham

Summary: It's nice, but less than miraculous. Here's hoping the 2006 World Cup is a bit more exciting than this! Overall Score: 6 out of 10

Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 30th July 2005