Uncomfortable viewing it may be but Downfall and the last days in the collapse of the Third Reich and suicide of Adolf Hitler is mesmerising as it is provocative.
Fear among the Nazi loyalists within the Berlin bunker increases as the Russian army moves closer to the city. Yet their Führer (an extraordinary Bruno Ganz – Wings of Desire, The Reader) initially refuses to consider defeat. Ordering counterattacks by non-existent regiments, accusing generals of treason, it becomes increasingly obvious that all is lost. As any attempt of a sense of normality within the bunker wanes, the decision is made to either flee or die via cyanide.
Claustrophobic, confronting, powerful, Oliver Hirschbiegel (13 Minutes, Five Minutes of Heaven) explores in microcosm the charm, manipulation and ultimate betrayal of Hitler. It’s a controversial approach but, in avoiding morbid fascination, Hirschbiegel portrays evil with a smiling face.
Nominated for best foreign language film Oscar in 2005.
Rating: 74%
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