Judgment in Berlin is a 1988 drama film directed by Leo Penn. PLOT: In 1978, an East German couple, traveling with their child, used a toy gun to hijack an airliner to a U.S. base in West Germany. Now they must stand trial in a potentially explosive fight for their freedom in this taut, political thriller based on a true story. Martin Sheen stars as Herbert J. Stern, the American judge brought to West Berlin to preside over the complex, precedent shattering case. Sean Penn is electrifying as the sole eyewitness to the incident, whose testimony holds the key to freedom or imprisonment for the hijackers. A compelling drama set against an intricate tapestry on international intrigue.