Breakthrough (1979)
German · Drama / History · 93 min · 16
★ 5.8 Few ratings 37 ratings
Released 1 Mar 1979
Page updated 22 Oct 2026
FilmyChill score
5.8
Skip Based on 37 ratingsThe few who rated it are lukewarm on it.
Audience★ 5.8 from 37 ratings — few ratings, so weighted toward an average film
LukewarmCriticsNo settled critics' reception on record
No verdictThe FilmyChill Score combines audience ratings and critics' reception, and updates twice a day. No studio or platform can pay for a score. How the score works
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Breakthrough is streaming in Germany on Cultpix, ARD Plus, Historama.
What the audience says
The few people who have rated Breakthrough are lukewarm on this German film. It carries a 5.8/10 on TMDB across 37 ratings — a small sample, so treat it with caution. It keeps things short at 93 minutes — no heavy commitment required. In Germany you can stream it on Cultpix, ARD Plus, Historama.
Should you spend 93 minutes on it?
93 minutes of German drama with history threaded through. The 5.8 rests on just 37 ratings so far — promising, not proven.
- Skip if
- you want plot momentum over character work
- Best for
- A weeknight
Story
Starting in late May 1944, during the German retreat on the Eastern Front, Captain Stransky (Helmut Griem) orders Sergeant Steiner (Richard Burton) to blow up a railway tunnel to prevent Russian forces from using it. Steiner's platoon fails in its mission by coming up against a Russian tank. Steiner then takes a furlough to Paris just as the Allies launch their invasion of Normandy.
Good to know
| Runtime | 1h 33m — short |
| Watch with family? | 16 · Older kids & up |
| Genre | Drama / History |
| Language | German |
| Best screen | Stream at home |
Director
Andrew V. McLaglen
Cast
Richard Burton
Sergeant Steiner
Rod Steiger
General Webster
Robert Mitchum
Colonel Rogers
Werner Pochath
Keppel
Klaus Löwitsch
Krüger
Michael Parks
Sergeant Anderson
Where to watch in Germany
CultpixARD PlusHistoramaMagenta TV+
Included with a subscription — no extra charge on these platforms.
Rent or buy
Apple TV StoreAmazon Video
Availability as of 19 Oct 2026 — platforms may change over time.
More: All Cultpix titles in Germany
Trailer
Find the trailer on YouTube →
If you liked this
Frequently asked
Is Breakthrough worth watching?
FilmyChill Score: Skip — The few who rated it are lukewarm on it (based on only 37 ratings). It rates 5.8/10 on audience ratings. 93 minutes of German drama with history threaded through. The 5.8 rests on just 37 ratings so far — promising, not proven.
Where can I watch Breakthrough?
You can stream Breakthrough in Germany on Cultpix, ARD Plus, Historama, Magenta TV+.
When is Breakthrough coming to streaming?
Breakthrough is already streaming in Germany on Cultpix, ARD Plus, Historama, Magenta TV+.
Is Breakthrough family friendly?
Breakthrough is rated 16. Fine for older kids with guidance.
What language is Breakthrough in?
Breakthrough is a German film (Drama / History).
How long is Breakthrough?
Breakthrough runs 1h 33m (93 minutes).
Who is in the cast of Breakthrough?
Breakthrough stars Richard Burton, Rod Steiger, Robert Mitchum and Werner Pochath, directed by Andrew V. McLaglen.
When did Breakthrough come out?
Breakthrough was released on 1 Mar 1979.
