April 1945, a nation awaits its… Downfall|Sep. 08, 2004|Germany|156 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;History;War
Description: “Downfall” (2004): A Cinematic Insight into the Final Days of Nazi Germany
Set in November 1942, the film begins at the Wolf’s Lair in East Prussia, where Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany, chooses Traudl Junge as his personal secretary. By 1945, the tide of World War II has turned drastically, with the Red Army advancing and encircling Berlin. On Hitler’s 56th birthday, Berlin’s city center comes under heavy bombardment.
Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler urges Hitler to flee Berlin, but the dictator refuses. Himmler secretly attempts to negotiate with the Western Allies, while his adjutant, Hermann Fegelein, also tries to convince Hitler to leave. Hitler remains resolute, declaring he will either win or die in Berlin.
Dr. Ernst-Günther Schenck is ordered to evacuate as part of Operation Clausewitz, but he manages to stay behind to treat the wounded. Meanwhile, a young Hitler Youth soldier, Peter Kranz, confronts his father, who begs him to abandon the fight. Peter, celebrated for destroying two enemy tanks, calls his father a coward and flees, embodying the fanaticism Hitler instilled in Germany’s youth.
In the Führerbunker, Hitler delivers impossible orders, demanding a counterattack from SS commander Felix Steiner’s units. The generals recognize the irrationality of his commands but are powerless to oppose him. Above ground, Hitler personally awards Peter a medal, praising his bravery over that of his generals.
Hitler discusses his scorched earth policy with Minister of Armaments Albert Speer, who expresses concern over the destruction of Germany’s infrastructure. Hitler, however, views the German people as weak and undeserving of survival.
Amid the chaos, Eva Braun, Hitler’s companion, hosts a party in the Reich Chancellery. Fegelein tries to persuade her to leave Berlin, but she dismisses him. The celebration is abruptly halted by artillery fire, underscoring the inevitability of the regime’s collapse.
“Downfall” offers a gripping portrayal of the harrowing final days of Nazi Germany, highlighting the delusion, defiance, and desperation that marked Hitler’s last stand.
Cast director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Cast actor: Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Corinna Harfouch, Ulrich Matthes, Juliane Köhler, Heino Ferch, Christian Berkel, Thomas Kretschmann, Ulrich Noethen, Birgit Minichmayr
Original name: Der Untergang