Review of Downfall (2004) by Lindaj — 06 Sep 2017

I was rather surprised at the overall positive reviews for this film. I found the cinematography lacking and the storyline rather mundane. While Bruno Ganz did a remarkable job presenting Hitler as a compassionate man to those he chose to care for as well as flashes of the monster he was and his diseased mind, I felt the film also whitewashed those who served him and the crimes they committed.

They appeared as proud, loyal soldiers, devoted until the end as any soldier is expected to be. Yet these men assisted in the genocide of more than 60 million people and no mention of their atrocities was every made.

Also Traudl Junge was no child, she was 22 and aware of who Hitler was, yet she is portrayed as a pleasant, slightly naive, bland young girl. If you had no knowledge of history all you would know is that Hitler appears quite a being quite 'off' and everyone else had a strong handle on reality or pleasantly ignorant.

I had a difficult time empathizing with any of the characters or even disliking any of them. It generally provoked no response in me other than irritation with the exception of the portrayal of Magda Goebbels.

She was well played by Corrina Harfouch and I found myself genuinely feeling hatred towards her as I watched the film. I liked the concept of the film but found the approach as narrow as the halls of the bunker.