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10

AllisonS.Dec 26, 2008

Absolutely fantastic portrayal of WWII from German side, being in hiters inner circle and the final days of his reign. Wonderful.

3 of 3 users found this helpful

8

simonPOct 10, 2005

To criticise this film because you know the ending is foolish. After all, we know the outcome of any film based on historical fact! The two defining features of this film are a quite exceptional performance by Ganz as Hitler and (perhaps) To criticise this film because you know the ending is foolish. After all, we know the outcome of any film based on historical fact! The two defining features of this film are a quite exceptional performance by Ganz as Hitler and (perhaps) the first contemporary portrayal of Hitler as a human being rather than a cartoon monster. That we see an attempt to portray (thought not excuse) the man behind the unspeakable acts of evil makes this film worth seeing alone. He was human like the rest of us which makes the terror that he perpretrated even more chilling. Recommended.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful

8

VonCarlssonDec 30, 2010

This film must simply be seen. Now it must be said, it's not an action film, so don't expect to see a whole lot of it, it's drama.

The film plays with your emotions, it gives the Nazis a face and humanize them, you will come to pity them. IThis film must simply be seen. Now it must be said, it's not an action film, so don't expect to see a whole lot of it, it's drama.

The film plays with your emotions, it gives the Nazis a face and humanize them, you will come to pity them. I think it's about time we see a daring film as this, that really tries to show the hell that war truly is, not like the Hollywood films that usually glorifies it. And that truly manages to portray Hitler as a human, not a monster, regardless of the unspeakable crimes he committed.

It's a must-see, and watch it in German with subtitles.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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9

MustisTheCatAug 2, 2011

The most convincing flick portraying Hitler`s last days ever. Again, all the German actors play very well, almost all are on par with Bruno Ganz. What I found very interesting was this movie showing what the entire Berlin felt like in theThe most convincing flick portraying Hitler`s last days ever. Again, all the German actors play very well, almost all are on par with Bruno Ganz. What I found very interesting was this movie showing what the entire Berlin felt like in the last days of the war and how the headquarters planned their demise. We have all the most important German commanders` silhouettes shown . Each and every one of them a separate character with unique history. Most of the time people are talking in this film, but it is never boring. There is a huge tension of the end coming in closer every hour. Finally, this flick shows the tragedy of German nation led by a fanatic.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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10

CrockiyeAug 26, 2005

Zach RH gave this movie a 2,but I believe he didn't think well. In his conception,all movies about the Nazis have to criticize them frontally.If you watch the movie carefully,you'll see that it isn't meant to make the Nazis Zach RH gave this movie a 2,but I believe he didn't think well. In his conception,all movies about the Nazis have to criticize them frontally.If you watch the movie carefully,you'll see that it isn't meant to make the Nazis not guilty.The one who watches the movie can make some conclusions,that,at the end,incriminate the Nazis. Regarding the fact that the soldiers were forced,it is partially true.The jews are not mentioned many times because the principal fear of Hitler was now the war.It was the first time when he started to believe that he will lose power,and he could no longer think of the jews.Plus,do you see any jew in the movie?That also proves that they were all in camps or dead.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

10

ChrisS.Feb 20, 2006

Absolutely haunting film that has left me going over the events of 1945 in my head again and again. The director successfully paints layer upon intricate layer of despair, loyalty, betrayal, joy, sadness, and delusion that must have been Absolutely haunting film that has left me going over the events of 1945 in my head again and again. The director successfully paints layer upon intricate layer of despair, loyalty, betrayal, joy, sadness, and delusion that must have been permeating in that small space. The one element that I think is missing, and purposely I think, is the idea of guilt. From Hitler to his henchmen, there is little attention to the idea that the choices they had made being inhuman or that they would have to answer to someone for their actions. Having been to Berlin, and having stood on the ground above that very spot where these events took place, I never once considered any sort of "humans" existing below that ground...only monsters from textbooks. This movie completely changed the way I view that now. I think it is often simpler to characterize people and situations in black and white or good and evil, especially those involved in such horrific acts. However, I think this film shows that things are much more complicated than that. Decisions and loyalties are based on much deeper and more complicated criteria than simply saying this path is "good" and this path is "bad". I give this movie a 10, although I wouldn't recommend it to just anyone. I would, however, recommend it to individuals that enjoy thought provoking films that don't rely on mindless action and typical hollywood movies.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

10

Myles#13Sep 8, 2006

Outstanding film on the final days of Hitler and the Third Reich! Fantastic acting (Hitler, Goebbels, Magda Goebbels and Prof. Schenk stand out) goes hand in hand with accuracy in the events... the film is simply breath-taking to view, Outstanding film on the final days of Hitler and the Third Reich! Fantastic acting (Hitler, Goebbels, Magda Goebbels and Prof. Schenk stand out) goes hand in hand with accuracy in the events... the film is simply breath-taking to view, whether you're familiar with the story (which helps a bit) or not. It gives you the shivers... not only is Hitler acted to perfection, but you actually feel sorry for the tired, withered old man whose terrible world is falling down around him. If you've never watched a foreign film before, watch this one... it will change the way you think.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

10

DanH.Aug 7, 2008

This film is a vital, contempary step towards denazisification. It depicted a delusional society being handed it's reality by force. However, it provides contemporary Germans with a way out. Now that the majority of eye witnesses to the This film is a vital, contempary step towards denazisification. It depicted a delusional society being handed it's reality by force. However, it provides contemporary Germans with a way out. Now that the majority of eye witnesses to the third reich are dead, many german people can say, " It wasn't my grandfather, He tried to save the children. " Even Eva Braun's distant relatives can speak up. She wanted desperately to dance to swing music, in a sense of defiance. The riff would have clearly been banded in Nazis Germany (for being negroid.) It's possible this scene was included to poke a hypocritical finger at the allies, for having segregated races in combat. In an interesting way the movie concluded with Hitler as a man who made the most sane choice under the circumstances, poison yourself prior to shooting yourself, before the Russians pull your limbs off your body . In that sense he was facing reality which is a form of mental health, while those around him loomed in a circus atmosphere, which would define the rest of the society as crazy.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

10

JamesT.Jan 6, 2009

Everything about this film is great. From cinematography and score to everyone's acting. It shows that even though Hitler did what he did, he still was after all a human. It also emphasizes Hitler's ideological mindset that made Everything about this film is great. From cinematography and score to everyone's acting. It shows that even though Hitler did what he did, he still was after all a human. It also emphasizes Hitler's ideological mindset that made him insensitive to the killings of his own German soldiers and citizens. The acting of each and every person is most convincing and satisfying as is the sense of realism which pervades this film. It is truly a masterpiece. A work of art.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

10

AndyH.Apr 12, 2007

Film-making doesn't get much better than this. The decision to portray the main protagonists as ordinary human beings makes the crimes perpetrated by the Third Reich even more horrific and incomprehensible than would have been the case Film-making doesn't get much better than this. The decision to portray the main protagonists as ordinary human beings makes the crimes perpetrated by the Third Reich even more horrific and incomprehensible than would have been the case if they had been portrayed as two dimensional monsters. The feeling of claustrophobia and impending disaster in Hitler's bunker is palpable, and the scene in which the Goebbels children are murdered by their mother is truly one of the most appallingly horrific and uncomfortable sequences you are ever likely to see, but it is used to underline just how much the Nazi philosophy had perverted the mindset of diehard fanatics, to such an extent that they were willing to kill their own children rather than have them live in a world without National Socialism. A classic of modern cinema.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

10

DragonsInSpaceAug 23, 2010

A unique portrayal of a war from the villain's point of view, telling it like it is. Every single actor is absolutely amazing in their performances. Writing is fantastic and shocking. It shows that even animals can have feelings.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

MattBrady99May 5, 2015

So this movie didn't win a Oscar for Bruno Ganz spectacular performance or didn't win for best foreign language film, man f**k the Oscars.

The movie is about a group of young women to Wolf's Lair, Hitler's headquarters in Eastern Prussia.So this movie didn't win a Oscar for Bruno Ganz spectacular performance or didn't win for best foreign language film, man f**k the Oscars.

The movie is about a group of young women to Wolf's Lair, Hitler's headquarters in Eastern Prussia. They are candidates for the post of personal secretary to the Fuehrer. Among them is 22-year-old Traudl Junge, a fresh-faced girl from Munich. Traudl is chosen for the job and she is overcome with joy at the thought of serving beside her Fuehrer. BERLIN, APRIL 20, 1945: Hitler has retreated to a bunker system under the German Chancellery. Traudl Junge is asleep in her room, deep beneath the ground. She is awakened by tremors from artillery fire. The enemy is getting closer. Charting the last 10 days of Hitler's life, from his 56th birthday on April 20th, 1945 to his suicide on April 30th, the film uses multiple characters to show the chaos of a country coming apart at the seams, from Hitler's henchman under the streets of Berlin, to the soldiers and civilians fighting and dying as the Soviet Army ravaged the city above.

You know that video on YouTube "Hitler reactions to this", and a lot of people may not know where that scene came from and it's this movie when it's during Hitler couple of minute rant and putting those reaction videos to the side this is a great scene if you can get pass that. I thought about bringing that up just in cause you didn't know.

I what to start off this review by saying that Bruno Ganz gives one of the best performance of 2004 and probably my favorite performance of all time. Bruno Ganz got Hitler spot on and he delivered a masterpiece of acting. What Bruno Ganz did so well is add a little human to Hitler as you can see his struggle and I know we what to see him fail because his a horrible person but as horrible as he his he's struggle to win a battle that he started and it quickly going down hill slowly breaks him, at one point you slowly see him losing it and Bruno Ganz powerful performance that creates are powerful moment that we can feel a little bit of it. Amazing performance Bruno Ganz.

The directing in this movie is what works the best as the director shows every detail of Hitler's upcoming fate. I forgive Oliver Hirschbiegel for directing the epic fail that was Diana the film as he made a better historical drama.

For problems with the movie these not a lot to be honest, you can say it's kind of a snail paste at times with the pasting but that's really it for problems.

Overall DownFall is excellent movie with amazing acting, great writing and directing and a brilliant historical drama.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

BroyaxJan 20, 2017

Remarquable par sa sobriété, La chute n'est pas du genre à s'épancher : il est à cet égard très loin de tout ce qu'a fait ou aurait pu en faire Hollywood. Ce film allemand regarde sa propre histoire avec une lucidité et une neutralité quiRemarquable par sa sobriété, La chute n'est pas du genre à s'épancher : il est à cet égard très loin de tout ce qu'a fait ou aurait pu en faire Hollywood. Ce film allemand regarde sa propre histoire avec une lucidité et une neutralité qui laisse admiratif. Il laisse simplement parler les faits d'eux-mêmes mais sans auto-flagellation inutile, car les faits sont assez dramatiques comme ça.

On retrouve cette tendance dans ce portrait des derniers jours du personnage Hitler : on ne diabolise pas, on ne s'apitoie pas non plus... Bruno Ganz relève le défi de ce rôle incroyablement complexe et délivre une interprétation magistrale. La secrétaire incarnée par la belle Alexandra Maria Lara dont le rôle est à peine moins important est également un point de vue très estimable sur ces évènements qui font l'Histoire, un point de vue ni blanc ni noir mais tout en multiples nuances de gris.

Sobre, lucide, presque froid, le film s'avère oppressant sur la durée et aurait gagné sans doute à se voir quelque peu élaguer ici et là. On ne s'y ennuie pas pour autant et sa grande force finalement est de nous montrer sans ambages la folie du fanatisme national-socialiste. La mise en scène adroite d'Oliver Hirschbiegel participe au réalisme ressenti et son effet n'en est que plus sidérant en fin de compte.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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3

DanS.Oct 13, 2005

This movie would be a revelation if it had humanized Hitler. But it didn't. Bruno Ganz' performance was uninspired. He's a great actor, but he doesn't do anything that strays far from cliche. A lot of yelling and sweating This movie would be a revelation if it had humanized Hitler. But it didn't. Bruno Ganz' performance was uninspired. He's a great actor, but he doesn't do anything that strays far from cliche. A lot of yelling and sweating and twitching. The only thing revelatory about the movie was the character of Goebbels and his wife; or rather, the performances of said characters by their actors. The movie was disappointing and almost pointless because the moviemakers created the movie on the assumption that the making of it would justify its existance. It didn't. There is no idea in this movie. It is just props. Try it again, Germany.… Expand

1 of 12 users found this helpful

1

RobRMay 14, 2006

An extremely tame and sanitised portrayal of Hitler's madness. Boring, absurd dialog, no passion, no intensity, not a hint of grit. Oh wait, it has subtitles so it must be masterpiece!

1 of 12 users found this helpful

7

Compi24Apr 18, 2013

While it may be sedately paced, "Downfall" still delivers a complex and challenging representation of the "Third Reich"'s befitting demise, frequently dazzling the audience with a brilliant performance from Bruno Ganz in the process.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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1

LindajSep 7, 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 toI 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.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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9

PatC.May 2, 2006

Engrossing if drawn out exposition of the final days of the people at the heart of the 3rd Reich. Doesn't explain much, but doesn't obscure either. Rather than develop the characters, the film successfully presents a tour de force Engrossing if drawn out exposition of the final days of the people at the heart of the 3rd Reich. Doesn't explain much, but doesn't obscure either. Rather than develop the characters, the film successfully presents a tour de force of people clueless while the hell they have facilitated on others turns on them and savages their cherished beliefs. These people had assumed the lives of others as expendable, so their own lives do not merit our empathy, specifically in the days of this story when their world is collapsing and no one has a safe place to indulge in self importance. Yet a sense of empathy is provoked nonetheless, not because we care about these people but because of the tragedy and waste of their misdirected mindsets that could easily have been our own. The film ends with a sense of emptiness reminiscent of a bad film, but within this particular emptiness simmers valuable understanding that alludes to how the German people rose from their ashes. The acting is generally straightforward as it should be, with the exception of Mrs. Goebbels last hour with her husband and children - probably some of the finest acting ever committed to film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

RomanskiFeb 21, 2005

What a movie! Brilliant !!!!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

6

BoBSep 9, 2005

If you ever had history lessons in school, nothing in this movie will surprise you. And that is the main problem with this film, its simply boring because you already know exactly how it ends. The fighting stuff have been done better in If you ever had history lessons in school, nothing in this movie will surprise you. And that is the main problem with this film, its simply boring because you already know exactly how it ends. The fighting stuff have been done better in other films, like Saving Private Ryan, in this film you dont really care about what happens to any of the characters. Tedious and overhyped about sums it up.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

FrankO.Jan 15, 2006

Despite the subject matter, I enjoyed this movie and learned a lot about the last days of Hilter and the Third Reich. Although on the long side, it did not drag and I was intrigued by the characters. Bruno Ganz was outstanding as a demonic Hitler.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

7

TimH.Jan 18, 2010

Whilst Downfall is undoubtedly a compelling and intriguing telling of the final days of Hitler it is not one without serious flaws. Firstly the good points; the acting is superb with Ganz's in particular standing out for his study of a Whilst Downfall is undoubtedly a compelling and intriguing telling of the final days of Hitler it is not one without serious flaws. Firstly the good points; the acting is superb with Ganz's in particular standing out for his study of a monster, touched with just the right amount of humanity, swinging between delusion and despair. This combined with the great care which has been taken in accurately recreating the settings and consumes gives the film and harrowingly real feel. However the film is marred by the script bowing to convention and including a protagonist with whom the audience is supposed to identify in the form of Hitler's Secretary ..... The film wants us to believe that she was at the heart of events in Hitler's bunker whilst simultaneously suggesting that she was a picture of innocence and ignorance. The scene near the end of the film where she seems shocked by Hitler's statement of revulsion of the Jew's is utterly ridiculous and insulting considering she has been his personal secretary for two and a half years by this point. The final part of the film which shows a clip from the documentary 'Blind Spot: Hitler's Secretary' where she talks of her apparent shock of finding out about the holocaust through the Nuremburg trials and how she as absolved herself of any wrong doing because she was young and naive (she was 25 at the films conclusion!), which is given to the audience without anything to question it as there is in the original documentary, leaves a very nasty taste in the mouth. Which is a shame because the portrayal of this one character damages what is otherwise a very enlightening and important film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

SamV.Nov 26, 2005

Excellent! Bruno Ganz as Hitler was perfect. Finally we have a movie showing what happened without worrying about cliches and everything that follows the movies about the World War II.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

KevinA.Nov 30, 2005

If there's one thing that this film does, it reminds you that Adolf Hitler was human, and that's what makes this film all the more chilling.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

SoldierB.May 27, 2006

Fantastic. Superb acting on all parties. Chris S. couldn't have said it better.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

tonyGreenJan 16, 2022

A riveting watch. There is clear cold detachment in the direction, which makes the film all the stronger. Despite being a simple and well known series of historical events, the inevitable end of the death-cult and its perverse ideology isA riveting watch. There is clear cold detachment in the direction, which makes the film all the stronger. Despite being a simple and well known series of historical events, the inevitable end of the death-cult and its perverse ideology is still fascinating to watch.… Expand