2004 ( Germany | Austria | Italy ) ( Biography, Drama, History )
( German with English subtitles )
Starring: Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Ulrich Matthes
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Downfall describes the last 12 days of Adolf Hitler’s life as seen through the eyes of his personal secretary, Traudi Judge.
Downfall is the first flesh and blood account of Hitler made by a German director in 50 years and the authenticity is truly unsettling. Set mostly in the cement corridors of a bunker under Berlin, Oliver Hirschbiegel’s remarkable film reconstructs the Führer’s last days as his dreams and the city above are smashed to rubble. Bruno Ganz’s chilling study of a brooding isolated figure brilliantly captures the surface charm and reserved friendliness that disguised Hitler’s explosive demonic rage and terrifying vitriolic hatred. Thought-provoking and harrowing this is a serious and compelling insight into the darkest era in Germany‘s history and the utter destruction that Germany brought on itself: defeat without honour.
(2hr 36min)