Review of Downfall (2004) by Edwin P — 07 Dec 2010
Under Oliver Hirschbiegel's direction and an enigmatic performance by Bruno Ganz, "Downfall" is a gripping tale of the last 10 days of the life of Adolph Hitler and those who are close to him. Noteworthy also are the many supporting performances.
The film is based on the book, "Inside Hitler's Bunker: The Last Days of the Third Reich" and the memoirs of Traudl Junge, "Until the Final Hour: Hitler's Last Secretary", in which her character also serves as a main witness to most of the events during these final ten days. The real life Junge, who died in early 2002, also bookends the film in a documentary interview clip.
Hirschbiegel's depiction of war as the Russians advance toward Berlin along with the scenes where Hitler tries to hold on to his power is full of madness, realism and a quiet sense of paranoia.
"Downfall" is a sad but potent story not about a single person but the influence and power one man can have over many people and of a system where blind allegiances can lead to so much destruction and loss of human life.
This review of Downfall (2004) was written by Edwin P on 07 Dec 2010.
Downfall has generally received very positive reviews.
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