
Micha Hartung (Charly Hübner) is a struggling video rental shop owner on the verge of bankruptcy.
When a journalist interviews him about his alleged, exaggerated role in the biggest mass escape from the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), Micha goes along with the story for some quick cash.
He inadvertently becomes an overnight national hero, bringing him sudden fame, wealth and his dream woman (Christiane Paul), but also burdened by a mountain of mounting lies. Hübner masterfully anchors the film as the gruff, endearingly flawed and overwhelmed "hero".
Directed by Becker, who passed away shortly after completing filming, this is a smart, fast-paced and melancholic satire.