Downfall

I have watched this subtitled German film (originally called Der Untergang) and was very impressed with it. Originally slightly daunted by two and half hours of a 'war' film, I was soon sucked in with no concept of the time. The acting is superb, the film is carefully researched to be based on fact (the memories of Traudl Junge, a secretary for Hitler, and others) and the sound effects of the explosions are very effective. It is fascinating to see the accounts of the generals and other military leaders in their (mostly) unswerving loyalty to their Fuhrer. It is also interesting to see the 'behind the scenes' Hitler as known to Traudl in contrast to the war-mongering, desperate, slightly mad man that he became.

This film is not as dark and heavy as one would expect when set in a bunker in Berlin during the last days of the Third Reich, as the characters are so interesting and portrayed with a depth even when on screen for a brief time.

8.5/10