Genre: War/Drama

Runtime: 2hr 36min

Language: German

IMDb: 8.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 90%

Metacritic: 82%

Wikipedia: Link

Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel

Cast

Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Ulrich Matthes, Elena Dreyden, Thomas Kretschmann, Christian Berkel, Stefan Mehren, Bohdan Graczyk

Plot

Downfall is a German historical drama directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, depicting the final days of Adolf Hitler’s rule during World War II. The film is set in the Führerbunker in Berlin and is based on historical accounts and the memoirs of Traudl Junge, Hitler’s secretary.

As the Allies close in on Berlin, Hitler (played by Bruno Ganz) and his inner circle, including Eva Braun, Joseph Goebbels, and others, grapple with the imminent defeat. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Junge, offering a humanizing perspective on the people inside the bunker. The film captures the desperation, delusion, and madness of Hitler’s last days, culminating in his suicide.

Downfall is a powerful and haunting portrayal of a dark chapter in history, exploring themes of fanaticism, loyalty, and the consequences of blind allegiance. Bruno Ganz’s performance as Hitler has been widely acclaimed for its depth and complexity.