This is a 'powerhouse' of a film, that offers different perspectives, realism and poses some serious questions. The movie makes the statement that the major and heinous atrocities of World War II were not committed by monsters, but by Human Beings, real people, flesh and blood. For me a major advantage of this film is how 'human' the characters are. It is an amazing impersonation.Īfter 70 years the characters have been built into 'evil legends' for some and forgotten completely by others. His tone, actions and expressions seem spookily accurate. It is the best screen performance of Adolf Hitler since The Triumph of the Will. But not one of the them, including Guinness and Anthony Hopkins come anywhere near to Bruno Ganz in this movie. Many actors have played Hitler over the years. You feel as though you are actually there, as it happens. It's not like watching a movie with make-up, actors, wardrobe, sets, etc. The first thing that hit me with this film was just how real it feels. We see the desperation in the Führerbunker and the ever so slightly mad Adolf commanding armies that only exist in his mind. Mostly through the eyes of Traudl Junge (Hitler's Secretary). The intelligence of a German Shepherd, as energetic as a Boxer, as different as a Dachshund, with the bite of a Rottweiler.ĭownfall shows the last days of Hitler and the Battle of Berlin. It never ceases to both engage and inform the viewer, making it a resounding success. We see the chaos amidst the inevitable military defeat, the growing dissension, and the horrendous extent of murder left in its wake. The film does an amazing job of serving as an effective character study of the players involved, namely Hitler, while at the same time working as an effective drama of the surrounding events. We see their growing anxiety, and the tragic hopelessness of their fate. It is through their performances that we see the true complexity of the Nazi regime, filled with the dedicated, the opportunistic, the evil, and those desperately looking for direction.

The supporting cast is impressive as well, with each character feeling well realized and completely authentic. Ganz's intensity on screen is riveting, inhibiting his character to such an extent, one may draw a parallel between the performance of Daniel Day-Lewis and his depiction of Lincoln, in its depth and nuance. Bruno Ganz as Hitler was simply brilliant, showing a man profoundly troubled, tragically devoted, crazed, manic, but yet not without some hint of humanity. Undoubtedly one of the most remarkable things about Downfall are the performances. At 2.5 hours long, the film manages to give the viewer an insightful look at the inner workings and utter chaos of those last days. Immersive, riveting, brilliantly acted, and tragic, Downfall is an amazing German film, depicting the last ten days of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime.

Downfall 2004 full movie download