Der Untergang (The Downfall)

Oliver Hirschbiegel 2004

April 1945 and the Second World War is in it’s final stages. Deep below Berlin in a bunker, Adolf Hitler is facing defeat surrounded by both loyal followers and those who see the futility in continuing. These last days are told through the eyes of Traudl Junge, Hitler’s personal secretary.

One of the best films I have seen in a very long time. Bruno Ganz is truly breathtaking as Hitler, bringing real humanity to man who we all often forget was merely human. While I would not go so far as to say that I felt sorry for Hitler, it did portray him as a very flawed man with a deep desire for victory. For a while you almost forget that what you are seeing really happened. Alongside Ganz as Hitler, Corinna Harfouch and Ulrich Matthes give amazing performances as Magda and Joseph Goebbels whose callous acts underline the barbarity of the Nazi regime.

The period detail of “The Downfall” is stunning; the ruined splendour of Berlin is juxtaposed with the bland concrete of Hitler’s bunker. Despite the subject matter, it is a beautifully shot film. Quite simply an amazing film, that shows that Hitler was human, albeit a very monstrous human. Faultless performances, beautiful camera work, a definite must-see.