When you sit down for a 2-hour film and the first 10 minutes are gorgeous, you settle in, content and totally open to the cinematic experience you're about to savour.

If it were just the (true) story of the East German family racing the Stasi to escape to the west, the film would've been intriguing. Or if it were just a film that was technically well made with a strong directorial hand (:clap_tone3: Michael Bully Herbig), lush cinematography (:clap_tone3: Torsten Breuer), and flawless soundscaping (:clap_tone3: Marvin Miller and Ralf Wengenmayr) then it would've been engaging. But combine both of these elements and you have an artful film, because it is both skilfully made and full of art.

A strong recommend.

PS Be sure to stay for the credits to see the actual photographs of those involved and their exploits.