One the greatest war movies of the past ten years, “Downfall” will join the ranks of “Saving Private Ryan,” “Das Boot” and “All Quiet on the Western Front” as a superlative examination of the horrors of war.
Includes thoroughbred performances by a half dozen exceptional actors presenting a near-perfect portrayal of the human, all too human, war machine that bred our own bureaucracy. Coupling extensive and accurate historical data about the people and events of the final days before the fall of Berlin with the most realistic war special effects since Private Ryan, this is a picture not to be missed.
Bruno Ganz' portrayal of Hitler accomplishes the impossible by giving human life to a curse; his performance is the foundation of telling a dark story without crossing to the sordid. He is to be commended for his courage in undertaking this part.
Bruno Ganz' portrayal of Hitler accomplishes the impossible by giving human life to a curse
The accuracy of the historical data is critical, because it is only the adherence to truth that keeps this movie from being reduced to a gossipy dance on Hitler’s grave. The work gives undeniable life to the Reich and allows the characters to bring the movie to its climax: a devastatingly sad and revealing ending to the most ambitious and insane pogrom of the 20th century.Alexandra Maria Lara plays Traudl Junge. The film’s story begins with Hitler choosing Junge from a group of six woman summoned to his headquarters to apply as his personal secretary. Traudl Junge herself is featured in a brief interview at the end of the film. She died in February, 2002, shortly after the publication of her book. In her commentary she repeats the most damning of admissions—few knew the extent of the horrors of the Reich, but most could known if they had only tried.
In the last ten days of the Reich, Russian troops were closing in on the city. In Albert Speers’ memoirs, “Inside the Third Reich,” he describes the final horrific breakdown of the leadership of the war machine. In fact, Hitler had been slowing losing touch with reality for several years previous, at least according to Speer. but in the last final days the cunning and still rational members of the ruling elite slowing made their way out of the city. Some eventually surrendered to the Allies to avoid becoming prisoners to the Russians, some killed themselves when capture was inevitable and some actually escaped to parts unknown.
Downfall is a powerful work; the realism of the special effects are comparable to Private Ryan and the display of historical fact far superior
But those that were left in the bunker, most notably Hitler, Eva Braun, Magda and Joseph Goebbels and their children, had no plans for after the fall of National Socialism. They had no plans for a world that they could not command. For them, there was no alternative to victory. As time ran short, they ended their lives. Most of those around them followed suit. Many ending their last hours in heavy drinking and final reminiscing over times victorious.<!--page-->
Young boys and old men are left to defend Berlin
Compelling performances by Corinna Harfouch and Ulrich Matthes as Magda and Joseph Goebbels, the two of Hitler’s confidants who paid the greatest price of all for their devotion to their leader. Also powerful work by Alexandra Maria Lara playing the young and shy Traudl Junge who is taken in by Hitler as his secretary and who walks out through the encircling Russians, and the murderous SS, with a fourteen year old boy, posing as refugee mother and son. Three days before the fall, the youth had been decorated by the Fuehrer for destroying two Russian tanks. A day later his parents were murdered by Hitler’s SS for not fighting to the death against the Russians.Juliane Köhler plays Eva Braun, Hitler’s mistress, kept in the shadows and rarely exposed to the company of the ruling elite. Married to Hitler shortly before their mutual suicides, she alone kept her courage until the end.
Downfall is a powerful work; the realism of the special effects are comparable to Private Ryan and the display of historical fact far superior. Depicts an invaluable lesson for nations and leaders of the present and the future. Could be one of the best war movies ever.
Downfall hits theatres on February 18 in New York and the 25th in Los Angeles, possible expansion later this year.
Further details, including stills and a trailer, in our database .
USA
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