Directed by:
Oliver HirschbiegelScreenplay:
Bernd EichingerCinematography:
Rainer KlausmannComposer:
Stephan ZachariasCast:
Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Corinna Harfouch, Ulrich Matthes, Juliane Köhler, Heino Ferch, Christian Berkel, Matthias Habich, Thomas Kretschmann (more)VOD (3)
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Charting the final days of World War II in Nazi Germany, DOWNFALL shows what went on in the bunker where Hitler (Bruno Ganz), his secretary (Alexandra Maria Lara), and a few close colleagues waited for their inevitable demise. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (11)
The star of the film "The Fall of the Third Reich" is Adolf Hitler. No, maybe I should correct myself a little. The star is Bruno Ganz, who portrayed the German dictator in an absolutely incredible way, a person who was not afraid to kill millions of people just because they had a different origin than what he desired. True, his ideology was a bit more complicated, but we don't have to go into that. "The Fall of the Third Reich" is about how Hitler's life is coming to an end as the war in Europe is also coming to an end. The Soviets have reached Berlin and the city is being destroyed. The constant background of the whole film is explosions and gunfire. Hitler is still trying to do something to change the situation, he wants to reverse the course of events in his bunker, but gradually realizes that it is no longer possible. The last moments of this mad man are well-known, but when I watched what he actually did, when I could see him portrayed by the excellent Ganz, I realized that Hitler must have had enough sanity to realize that suicide is the only solution to leave this world peacefully and spare himself the inevitable trials that would follow. Eva Braun, his mistress and wife in the final stages of his life, is depicted as a completely fanatic woman who is willing to do anything for her Leader. But she was not alone. The film definitely does not aim to only condemn the Germans, I think that rather than an attack on the nation, it is a demonstration of what a person can achieve when they have sufficient abilities and acquire the necessary power. People are willing to go along with him under any conditions and take any steps, just to avoid being on the other side of the barricade. It is insane, but one single person can control the masses. Even if the masses know that he is insane, they will stand behind him as long as they feel that the other side is worse and that there is a bright future waiting on this - for now, right - side. Or at least the vision of it. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/10/ong-bak-pad-treti-rise-bolt-zathura-3g.html
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Downfall is a prime example of a quality historical film that mixes authentic events, perfect acting and great technical workmanship. It tells the story of a man who can be a caring husband and affable employer on the one hand, but also a monster without a drop of compassion on the other. We are, of course, talking about Adolf Hitler, who has made an indelible mark on history as a cruel dictator who wanted to conquer the entire world, in which only the 'pure' Aryan race would live. In this film we get a glimpse of the few days that preceded Hitler's death and the fall of the Reich. It captures, in particular the emotions of everyone involved, from the secretary, to the commanders, generals and chancellors, to the Führer himself. World War II is a timeless subject that has an inexhaustible supply, and this film depicts just one of its most poignant moments, and it doesn't even take place on the battlefield. Bruno Ganz is perfect as Hitler, and the cast of the Goebbels couple along with Traudl Junge are as well. In short, a film that really managed to blow me away despite its running time - I wasn't even breathing at the final recap of the fates.
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A movie that seems more like a documentary that isn’t so much about Hitler’s last days, as about the people around him and his last atrocity committed on his own nation. Certainly worth watching, but if it hadn’t been made by Germans, it would never have caused such a stir (is it really making Hitler seem more human if he thanks his cook for his food?). Even so, it’s good that it was the Germans who filmed it; they need to chase the skeletons out of their closet.
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The roaring protagonist Bruno Ganz might look like Hitler, but that's not enough to make this a good movie. After the first half hour, all the dramatic unrest or sadness of the supporting characters starts playing itself out, and the final catharsis doesn't have time to fix anything. In the end, the war film crystallizes into a dramatic journey through the history of Germany, accompanied by confused editing and the feel of a (non)eventful film that only generated buzz from a thematic standpoint.
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This is the precisely and generously filmed agony of a deteriorating political system and the once proud and invincible army of Nazi Germany. It is probably the most impressive German film about their perspective on participation in World War II. Except for details such as personal dialogues between characters, it is based on historical facts. Hour after hour, we can observe the relentless tightening noose of encirclement around Berlin, the declining mood of the bunker occupants beneath the Reichstag building, until it reaches freezing point, exposing human characters and the self-proclaimed elite, who wanted to rule the world, and who must now hold themselves accountable. It is an excellent study of human characters in a critical situation, evading responsibility in a live broadcast. Bruno Ganz deserves the highest recognition for his portrayal of the German dictator. Overall impression: 95%.
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