Fur Meinen Vater / For My Father
2009, 107 minutes
WWII sniper drama
Plans for the German invasion of Western Europe are revised after they fall into French hands. The main focus of the offensive is changed to the Ardennes region after a suggestion by General Erich von Manstein. The bulk of the German Army's armoured units are allocated to this radical plan. A German sniper is sent to eliminate a British scout squad reporting on suspected German movements in the region. Whilst he is finding the best opportunity to strike, he thinks back to his friends, his training and his parents. As he watches the British soldiers he begins to develop a sympathy for them, whilst feeling the pressure of the threat made against his family by the dreaded SS, which makes him question his own motives. The dialogue for the film was completely improvised, with the actors working closely with the director to develop back stories and personalities for their characters.
