Review of Downfall (1997) by Joshua H — 20 Nov 2011

Downfall is the definitive account of Hitler's last days in power and hiding in central Berlin. The city is collapsing around him and his brainwashed followers are loosing trust and belief in their leader.

While the Third Reich is under attack by the Red Army, Berlin is being surrounded and it's citizen's are paying the price while Hitler hides in his Bunker. This is a foreign film and by far one of the best war movies ever made.

Make no mistake there are few people to feel compassion for in Downfall. It solely follows Hitler's generals, Eva Braun and his trusted secretary who's memoirs helped make this film. Hitler's brainwashing is truly scary and the fear that is sensed in all his men.

Hitler spent over 30 years developing his plans and brainwashing his country so even in his last days the fear that had been installed years ago remains. Downfall is a masterpiece that shows us an aspect of WW2 that had never been seen before.

With subtitles and German actors playing the roles this film feels and looks authentic. It is also claustrophobic with it's main set being Hitler's bunker. I highly recommend this film to anyone interested in history and more specifically the end of WW2.

This is a heavy film and overall depressing but well worth the watch.