Der Schlag hat gesessen!

About This Movie

So, 'Der Schlag hat gesessen!' is this short documentary from '61 directed by Karl-Ernst Schmidt. It’s really a fascinating piece, capturing the atmosphere just before the Berlin Wall went up. The pacing has this urgent, almost anxious feel, as it aims to rally the NVA troops for border security. It's not flashy—definitely not about big spectacle—but it gives a raw look at the tension of the time. The performances are quite striking, in a way that feels very real and immediate. The practical effects are minimal, which actually serves the film well, keeping the focus on the soldiers and their task. A real snapshot of a pivotal moment in history, I’d say.

Documentary on NVA units · Focuses on Berlin's state border · Historical context of the Berlin Wall