Rent Downfall
(2004)
Der Untergang
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Set in Berlin, 1945, this powerful and provocative war drama retells the final days of the Second World War as recorded in the diaries of Adolf Hitler's private secretary, Traudl Junge, while barricaded with Hitler and his closest confidants in the Fuhrer's secret bunker. Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel with an astonishing performance by Bruno Ganz as history's most notorious figure, this unprecedented and controversial insider's perspective is a gripping insight into the madness and desperation of Hitler in the final hours of the war as the Russian Army closes a ring around Berlin.
Members Reviews Voted Most Helpful
Downfall review by LVZ
Wow to Bruno Ganz
(3) of (3) members found this review helpful.
Bruno Ganz is simply brilliant in the role of "Mein Fuhrer". I have read reports that a large chunk of the German population was concerned that this film portrays Hitler in a personal light and in a manner that he becomes far too much an object of sympathy. I did not experience that although I do feel that I got into the heads of the few, during the last hours in the bunker.
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Downfall review by JD
Brutally bleak and brilliantly acted.
(2) of (2) members found this review helpful.
This account of the last days of the third Reich from the Nazi bunkers is breathtakingly acted and strangely moving.
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Downfall review by Jawbreaker
Haunting
(1) of (2) members found this review helpful.
Downfall is an amazing and powerful piece of cinema that will leave a lasting impression. Clearly one of the most important European films of recent times, it is a frank and disturbing exposé of the final ten days of the Nazi regime. We see a different side to Hitler than what has been shown previously, yet you do not feel pity for the character. This is a film that only Germans could have made about the final few days of what has become a blight on their history. Downfall also marked Oliver Hirschbiegel as a director worth following, and Bruno Ganz will never surpass his performance here.
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Recent Reviews of Downfall by our members
Downfall review by Pete W
Powerful and enjoyable
(1) of (2) members found this review helpful.
Bruno Ganz's portrayal of Hitler should have won him an Oscar. A lengthy film but it doesn't drag (even though you know the ending!). The scene where Magda Goebbels slaughters her children is appalling - in the true sense of the word, as it should be. Don't be put off by the fact that the film is in German and subtitled - but it helps if you understand a bit of German. Special mention of the DTS soundtrack - the first Russian shell to fall on the bunker nearly blew my front room windows out.
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Downfall review by howard scott
Der Untergang
(1) of (1) members found this review helpful.
One of the best produced and most thought provoking films I have ever seen (particularly since there is no humour, no music and no sex). Totally gripping but quite long.
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Rated: 4.1 stars out of 5 from 194 ratings
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BFI Classification:
Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over
| Release Date: | 19/09/2005 |
| Production Year: | 2004 |
| Run Time: | 149 minutes |
| Aspect Ratio: | Widescreen 1.78:1 / 16:9 |
| Format: | Pal |
| Colour: | Colour |
Special Features:
- The Making of Downfall - 1 hour feature
- Cast and Filmmaker Interviews
- Historical Personalities and their actors Biographies
- The Bunker - A Virtual Tour
- Shooting in Russia: Behind the Scenes look with Production Crew Commentary
- About Shooting: Behind the Scenes look with Director's Commentary
