Downfall

Composite Score: 83.13

Starring: Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Ulrich Matthes, Juliane Köhler, Corinna Harfouch, Heino Ferch, Christian Berkel, Thomas Kretschmann, Michael Mendl, André Hennicke, and Birgit Minichmayr

Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel

Writer: Bernd Eichinger

Genres: Biography, Drama, History, War

MPAA Rating: R for strong violence, disturbing images, and some nudity

Box Office: $92.18 million worldwide

Why should you Watch This Film?

                Downfall is the 2004 German film, dramatizing the final days of the Nazi regime in Berlin at the close of World War II, based on biographical works, memoirs, and historical documents from the time. The story is told primarily through the perspective of Traudl Junge, Hitler’s personal secretary who escaped Berlin in the final days after witnessing most of the biggest moments of the government’s collapse. It has become noteworthy for the way it captures the feeling of total chaos in Berlin at the war’s end and for Bruna Ganz’s strong performance, capturing the villainous humanity of Adolf Hitler with chilling authenticity. Since its release, it has made its way onto many lists of the best World War II films ever made.

Why shouldn’t you Watch This Film?

                Every named character in this film was part of the Nazi regime in some form or fashion, which means that, whether fully aware or not, they were complicit in the atrocities carried out by that government. In film, you’ve got to have someone to root for, so in this case, the audience is given Hitler’s secretary as the protagonist. Actual interviews with Junge are played at the beginning and end of the film, imparting a bit of sympathy for the character as she explains her ignorance to just how bad things really were until after it was all over (but, like, she was Hitler’s secretary so how unaware was she really). The film also makes sure to affirm the existence of the Holocaust and leaves space to reflect on that atrocity at the end. But the fact remains, that this is a difficult film to fully engage with because the characters are fairly active and undeniably willing participants in Hitler’s Nazi regime. Yes, it is important to acknowledge the humanity even of the worst human beings, but it is important to also keep in mind that humanizing someone doesn’t suddenly give their beliefs or actions any credence or justification, and that can be a difficult line to watch when watching a film.

So wait, why should you Watch This Film?

                If you are looking for a detailed account of the final days of the German high command in Berlin during World War II that also contains some entertainment value beyond its content, Downfall is probably your best option. The historical narrative it paints is mostly accurate, and it entertains with a standout performance from Ganz and solid supporting performances as well. In many ways, watching Downfall is like watching a trainwreck that you wanted to happen (think end of Bridge on the River Kwai), full of the chaos, destruction, and loss of life that comes at the end of wars and that, in this case, you happen to also be rooting for. The film makes sure over and over to remind its viewers just how destructive the forces of fascism (under the guise of National Socialism) were on the nation and people of Germany during Hitler’s reign, never leaving you in doubt of what the right outcome was for the nation even as the characters scramble to prevent it. Ganz in particular does a phenomenal job portraying the most unhinged form of Hitler, fully suffering from Parkinson’s, fully convinced that everyone was against him, and fully unwilling to accept any form of surrender – it is a terrifying portrayal from a truly great actor.

                Bruno Ganz’s portrayal of Hitler is the rotting heart at the center of the titular downfall that engrosses audiences as they witness the collapse of Nazi Germany with all of the chaos and death that goes along with it in Downfall, solidifying its place as an undeniably great film. The importance of remembering the atrocities committed by so many of the film’s characters cannot be understated, but viewers who go in with that in their minds are sure to find plenty to love about this strangely satisfying film. It is currently available to stream via Kanopy or Hoopla or to rent on most other streaming services if you’re looking to give it a watch.