The Verdict

In this thrilling courtroom drama it is the audience that decides on the film's outcome by passing judgement on a classic horrible dilemma. Is the jet fighter pilot who shot down a hijacked aircraft responsible for the death of its 163 passengers? Or should he receive a medal of honour for saving 70,000 people in a football stadium, the intended target of the hijackers?

A hijacked airplane approaches a packed football stadium, tailed by several jet fighters. One of the fighter pilots decides to shoot down the hijacked plane, against the instructions of his superior. All passengers die, but the lives of the 70,000 soccer fans in the stadium are spared.

Is the pilot responsible for the death of the plane's 163 passengers? First shown on German television in 2016, this courtroom drama directed by Lars Kraume features excellent German actors and confers a special role to the public. After the plea hearing, the audience starts consultations, asking experts to elucidate the case. Using electronic voting devices, the audience will eventually decide whether or not the jet fighter pilot is guilty and what outcome it wishes to give to the film.

Text: Dirk van de Straaten