
Waiting for Anya
2020

Based on the true story of Oberleutnant Franz von Werra, the only German prisoner of war captured in Britain to escape back to Germany during the Second World War.

Based on the true story of Oberleutnant Franz von Werra, the only German prisoner of war captured in Britain to escape back to Germany during the Second World War.
Hardy KrügerFranz von Werra
Colin GordonArmy Interrogator
Michael GoodliffeR.A.F. Interrogator
Terence AlexanderR.A.F. Intelligence Officer
Jack GwillimCommandant, Grizedale
Andrew FauldsLieutenant, Grizedale
Julian SomersBooking Clerk
Alec McCowenDuty Officer, Hucknall
Robert CrewdsonGerman Prisoner
George MikellGerman Prisoner
George RoubicekGerman Prisoner
John Van EyssenGerman Prisoner
Richard MarnerGerman Prisoner
Frederick JaegerGerman Prisoner
Paul HansardGerman Prisoner
Bernard HorsfallLieutenant - Kent
Glyn HoustonHarry 'Hurricane'

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Hardy Kruger is really good in this wartime adventure film. His portrayal of the real life Franz von Werra, the only German PoW to escape internment from the UK during WWII gives us some idea of the sheer determination of a man who tried, repeatedly, to gain his freedom before embarking on a tour of just about every nation on Earth to get back to Germany. He starts by making his captors a promise that he will escape in six months, and they just put that down to his Nazi superiority complex. Soon, though, they realise he is a clever and ingenious fellow who lacks nothing by way of cunning - despite the difficulties he faces. It's maybe a little bit long, but for the most part Kruger holds it together really effectively. Despite not being on our side, so to speak, as the film gathers momentum it is difficult not to respect the man and his achievements, particularly as it is not just his enemies that are after him, but the weather and terrain are also conspiring effectively against him too. The supporting cast - Michael Goodliffe and Colin Gordon especially - work well; the photography (Sweden not Canada) looks good; the dialogue is frequently quite pithy and by the end, well I rather liked the fellow!

2020

1942

2023

1983

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1966

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1955

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2020