Downfall

This is the precisely and generously filmed agony of a deteriorating political system and the once proud and invincible army of Nazi Germany. It is probably the most impressive German film about their perspective on participation in World War II. Except for details such as personal dialogues between characters, it is based on historical facts. Hour after hour, we can observe the relentless tightening noose of encirclement around Berlin, the declining mood of the bunker occupants beneath the Reichstag building, until it reaches freezing point, exposing human characters and the self-proclaimed elite, who wanted to rule the world, and who must now hold themselves accountable. It is an excellent study of human characters in a critical situation, evading responsibility in a live broadcast. Bruno Ganz deserves the highest recognition for his portrayal of the German dictator. Overall impression: 95%. (10/07/2013)

For a person who is not interested in history and confuses Husák with Hitler, it is certainly a meritorious and interesting piece of work, but for someone with an interest in history, it is a modest account that does not bring any fundamental new information and not even the controversial view of one human being that is so much proclaimed in the press. In any case, the performances were excellent, including Bruno Ganz, whose role was tempting to overact, which fortunately did not happen. Overall, I would see it as a three and a half stars, rounded down this time due to the high expectations. (27/11/2005)

Downfall is a prime example of a quality historical film that mixes authentic events, perfect acting and great technical workmanship. It tells the story of a man who can be a caring husband and affable employer on the one hand, but also a monster without a drop of compassion on the other. We are, of course, talking about Adolf Hitler, who has made an indelible mark on history as a cruel dictator who wanted to conquer the entire world, in which only the 'pure' Aryan race would live. In this film we get a glimpse of the few days that preceded Hitler's death and the fall of the Reich. It captures, in particular the emotions of everyone involved, from the secretary, to the commanders, generals and chancellors, to the Führer himself. World War II is a timeless subject that has an inexhaustible supply, and this film depicts just one of its most poignant moments, and it doesn't even take place on the battlefield. Bruno Ganz is perfect as Hitler, and the cast of the Goebbels couple along with Traudl Junge are as well. In short, a film that really managed to blow me away despite its running time - I wasn't even breathing at the final recap of the fates. (11/09/2011)

The first war film dealing with the conflict from the other side, and also directed by “natives”. There is a certain interest in the material, but it doesn't have any significant impact on the viewer. The script is simple and the actors (although very decent) practically have nothing to rely on. Bruno Ganz stands out, but mainly because seeing Hitler himself on the screen is already a peculiar and unique experience. But Oliver Hirschbiegel didn't excel in terms of visual presentation. The cold visual style doesn't stand out as it should, and the war scenes are quite implausible and poorly edited. (25/09/2005)

The roaring protagonist Ganz may look like Hitler, but that's not enough for a good movie. After the first half hour, all the dramatic unrest or sadness of the supporting characters starts to play out lightly, and the final catharsis doesn't have time to fix anything. In the end, the war film crystallizes into a dramatic journey through the history of Germany, accompanied by confused editing and a sense of a (non)eventful film that was only talked about from a thematic standpoint. (05/05/2006)