Synopsis: An intimate look at Adolf Hitler (played by Bruno Ganz), Downfall chronicles the final ten days of the Third Reich.
Told from the point of view of Traudl Junge (Alexandria Maria Lara), Hitler's personal secretary at the time, most of Downfall takes place in a fortified bunker in the government district of a besieged and crumbling Berlin.
With the Soviets closing in, Junge witnesses the moments leading to the downfall of Hitler, which as we all know, culminates in his dramatic suicide.
The Good: Gripping and intense, Downfall has an incredibly authentic feel.
Although mostly shot in St.
Petersburg, Russia, this is perhaps the most realistic portrayal of Adolf Hitler in recent cinematic memory.
Oftentimes it felt as though I were watching the real Hitler, which is a testament to Bruno Ganz's acting abilities.
The large supporting cast, notably Juliane Köhler (as Eva Braun), Ulrich Matthes (as Joseph Goebbles), and Corinna Harfouch (as Magda Goebbels), is outstanding.
Textbooks, lectures, History Channel documentaries, and PBS specials accurately portray Der Führer as a monster, but director Oliver Hirschbiegel's Downfall goes a step further by portraying Hitler as human.
Bear in mind that showing Hitler's human side does nothing to garner sympathy for the man.
No, in fact, it makes him even more frightening.
Hitler's mental state slips in and out of reality, as he seems consciously aware of the years of evil he's embraced.
He realizes his hatred inflamed the imagination of an entire country, garnered loyalty, and brought him immense power.
But facing inevitable defeat, Hitler is revealed as being enslaved and imprisoned, both figuratively and literally, by that very same power.
As a result, he fights hardest to maintain control when it is most futile to do so.
Equally compelling, and chilling, is the detail shown to Hitler's closest associates.
The top ranking German officers, divided between supporting their leader to the end and outright betraying him, reflect the breadth of Hitler's destructive influence (or ability to engender fear).
Finally, Hirschbiegel does a superb job exploring the complexity of evil.
By showing us not only the evil done by a very human Hitler, we also see the human side of his followers.
Most are more sympathetic characters, but because of the choices they've made over the course of Hitler's reign, are complicit in some of the worst atrocities in history.
It seems we are meant to identify with them, and if we dare, to see that we are just as capable of doing great evil over time by either choosing, or refusing, to act.
The Bad: At 156 minutes, Downfall feels much longer.
Although you know what happens to Hitler because of history (at least I hope you do), this film requires you to pay close attention to the many peripheral characters (which are easy to lose track of) in order to feel the story's full impact.
Final Thoughts: Without question, Downfall is a foreign film geared mainly towards history enthusiasts.
If that sounds like you, then rent it! Bear in mind, however, that nothing is dumbed down for the viewer.
Rather, the filmmakers assume you have more than just basic knowledge of World War Two and members of Hitler's inner circle.
On that note, Downfall is a meticulously made, well-researched film.
In order to appreciate its full meaning, go through some history books first.
(3 1/2 out of 4 stars) Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel Starring: Bruno Ganz, Alexandria Maria Lara