Söhne (2007)
A German documentary by Volker Koepp reuniting brothers separated by the chaos of World War II's final days, decades after their mother's impossible choice.
Söhne - Movie Information
- Original Title: Söhne
- Release Year: 2007
- Directed by: Volker Koepp
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German, Polish
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 24, 2007 (Switzerland), May 31, 2007 (Germany)
- Production Companies: Thomas Geyer Film, Vineta Film, Koppfilm
- Production Countries: Germany
Söhne - Plot
In early 1945, the mother Elisabeth Paetzold flees from the Red Army from West Prussia towards the west with the two oldest of her four sons. Taking all the children at the same time seems too dangerous to her, so she leaves her two youngest in the hope of catching them up later, in the care of grandparents. In post-war Poland, she sets out in search of them, but she no longer succeeds in uniting them all. Only now, in this documentary, a reunion takes place. And there are five stories about the common family history audible that is so incredible, but not rare...
Where to Watch Söhne
Looking for where to watch Söhne?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Söhne - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Volker Koepp
Writers
- Volker Koepp
- Barbara Frankenstein
Söhne - FAQs
What is Söhne about?
Söhne follows the Paetzold family, torn apart in early 1945 when a mother fleeing the Red Army left her two youngest sons behind in West Prussia. Decades later, this documentary brings the surviving brothers together for the first time, letting each tell his version of a shared but fractured family history.
Is Söhne based on a true story?
Yes, absolutely. Söhne documents the real experiences of the Paetzold family, separated during the chaotic final weeks of World War II. Director Volker Koepp presents their testimonies as a genuine historical record, noting that while the story is extraordinary, it reflects the fate of countless families displaced by the war.
Who directed the documentary Söhne?
Söhne was directed by Volker Koepp, a highly regarded German documentary filmmaker known for his patient, observational approach to personal and historical subjects. Koepp also co-wrote the film alongside Barbara Frankenstein, and the cinematography was handled by Thomas Plenert.
When was Söhne released?
Söhne had its premiere on April 24, 2007, in Switzerland, followed by its German release on May 31, 2007. The film was produced in Germany by Thomas Geyer Film, Vineta Film, and Koppfilm.
How long is the documentary Söhne?
Söhne runs for 111 minutes — just under two hours. That runtime gives Volker Koepp the space to let each brother's memories unfold at a reflective, unhurried pace, which suits the weight and intimacy of the family history being explored.
What languages are spoken in Söhne?
The film is primarily in German, with Polish also spoken — a fitting linguistic reflection of the story's geography, spanning the borderlands of West Prussia and post-war Poland where the Paetzold family's separation and long search for reunion took place.
What makes Söhne historically significant?
Söhne captures a largely underdocumented human dimension of World War II's end — the mass displacement of German civilians fleeing the Eastern Front. By centering one family's fragmented memories, Koepp illuminates a collective trauma that affected millions, making the personal a powerful lens onto broader history.
Are there films similar to Söhne worth watching?
If Söhne resonates with you, other films exploring themes of return and reunion may appeal, such as Cocoon: The Return (1988) or Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns (2001) for lighter reunion narratives. For documentary depth on family and memory, Volker Koepp's broader filmography is well worth exploring.
More About Söhne
Explore further details about Söhne on these trusted resources.