As Far As My Feet Will Carry Me

German Oberleutnant Clemens Forell is captured and forced into a Siberian labor camp after World War II; his lone aim is to reunite with his family. He slips away into a frozen, desolate landscape, facing bitter cold, treacherous terrain, and the constant threat of pursuit. Driven by love and an iron will, he treads thousands of miles over years of uncertainty, clinging to the belief that home remains reachable. The story follows his stubborn resolve and the toll the ordeal takes on body and mind, presenting a stark portrait of endurance under extreme conditions, where each step is a fight to stay hopeful. Along the way he finds mercy in some strangers and learns to trust his own instincts.

Directed by Hardy Martins, the drama adapts the memoir by Bastian Clevé and Josef Martin Bauer, with Bernhard Bettermann starring as Forell. Released in 2001, it presents a restrained, period faithful take on a postwar escape.

Box office details are not widely reported for this title, and it did not become a major international hit. Its reach appears strongest in European markets and among viewers drawn to wartime survival stories, family drama, and films that emphasize human resilience. It remains a film that appeals to viewers who value human scale in historical drama.

Critics have praised the film for its austere realism, disciplined pacing, and the performances that convey endurance and restraint. The narrative centers on the costs of war on personal life, the pull of home, and the stubborn power of love to sustain the human spirit through years of hardship and uncertainty.

Awards: While its production values and performances are solid, the film did not gain major nominations or wins on prominent festival circuits. That said, it can be seen as a notable example of adapting true historical experiences for screen audiences, offering a disciplined, respectful portrayal.