Downfall
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Actors: Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Ulrich Matthes
PlotIn the waning days of World War II, with the Allies closing in on Berlin, the Nazi regime faces its final chapter. Among the chaos and destruction of a besieged city, Adolf Hitler retreats to his Führerbunker, surrounded by loyalists and military officers. This intense scenario sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the psychological turmoil and moral dilemmas facing those within the bunker. As the external world crumbles, so too does the world within the bunker, highlighting the stark contrast between the loyalty of Hitler's followers and the reality of their impending doom.
Within this claustrophobic setting, the narrative focuses not only on Hitler but also on the experiences of Traudl Junge, Hitler's young personal secretary. Her perspective provides a humanizing lens through which the audience witnesses the events. As the grip of the Third Reich loosens and Hitler's ideological facade begins to crumble, the film delves into the complexity of its characters, each grappling with the consequences of their actions and the inevitability of their situation. This inner turmoil is juxtaposed against the backdrop of a city—and a world—at war, offering a poignant look at the final days of one of history's most infamous leaders and the immediate circle that surrounded him to the end.
Writers: Bernd Eichinger, Joachim Fest, Traudl Junge
Release Date: 08 Apr 2005
Runtime: 156 min
Rating: R
Country: Germany, Austria, Italy
Language: German, Russian, French, English
Home Video Reviews
Downfall impresses with stellar acting, quality Blu-ray, and intense drama. Must-see.
Read our review of Downfall Blu-ray to find out more