Movie Review: Downfall

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.

Substantially based on the memoirs of Hitler's private secretary, Traudl Junge, her work and that of Joachim Fest form the foundation of the research contained in the film. One wonders if Junge timed her final writings to coincide with her imminent death, such is the power of this material. Having just completed reading Albert Speer’s memoirs, this reviewer can attest that several scenes were taken directly from that book.

Bruno Ganz' portrayal of Hitler accomplishes the impossible by giving human life to a curse

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.

Young boys and old men are left to defend Berlin

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.