Renowned actor Daniel Brühl has announced his return to the director’s chair for the upcoming biopic “Break,” which will focus on the life of legendary tennis champion Gottfried von Cramm and his resistance to the Nazi regime in 1930s Germany.
The film will star Felix Kammerer of “All Quiet on the Western Front” fame in the lead role, reuniting the actor with Brühl and the team behind the Oscar-winning WWI drama. The screenplay, penned by Hossein Amini, is based on Marshall Jon Fisher’s “A Terrible Splendor: Three Extraordinary Men, a World Poised for War, and the Greatest Tennis Match Ever Played.”
Produced by The Ink Factory and co-produced by Marc Platt Productions, “Break” will be a captivating blend of German and English storytelling, shedding light on the challenges von Cramm faced during his sporting career amid the rise of the Third Reich.
Brühl expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “From a contemporary perspective, the extraordinary story of Gottfried von Cramm is one that demands to be told. Gottfried is a hero for our times. I’m thrilled — and grateful — to be embarking on this cinematic journey, and to travel it together with my friends Felix Kammerer and Malte Grunert will make the pleasure greater still.”
The film is set to explore the personal and moral conflicts faced by von Cramm, as well as a compelling love triangle and the intense pressure surrounding the 1937 Davis Cup at Wimbledon. According to Simon and Stephen Cornwell of The Ink Factory, “Gottfried’s life offers a thrilling prism to look at the history of Europe on the cusp of war — but more than that, it is the story of a deeply personal moral conflict and a dangerous romance.”
With esteemed scriptwriter Hoss’ mesmerizing script and Daniel’s profound directorial vision, “Break” promises to be a gripping and relevant cinematic experience. The involvement of Felix Kammerer and experienced director Edward Berger adds further depth to the project, making it a reunion of sorts for the “All Quiet on the Western Front” team.
The biopic’s sales will be managed by Fifth Season domestically, and it’s worth noting that executive producers Joe Tsai and Arthur Wang from 127 Wall Productions are on board to bring the story of von Cramm to the big screen.
Malte Grunert, founder and managing director of Amusement Park, expressed, “The story of Gottfried von Cramm is one of personal heroism displayed with unassuming elegance. At a time when the freedom and liberty we enjoy are once again under threat from rising nationalism and far-right politics, it feels as timely as ever.”
The film’s development and production are keenly anticipated by fans and film enthusiasts, eager to witness the inspiring journey of a remarkable figure in a tumultuous historical period. Stay tuned for more updates on the enthralling upcoming biographical drama, “Break.”