Der Untergang (2004)
Downfall / The Downfall
Raiting: 
8,2 /10
Genre: Drama
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Stars: Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara and Corinna Harfouch
Country: Germany / Italy / Austria
Release date: 16 September 2004
Length: 155 minutes / 178 minutes (extended version)
"Der Untergang" (2004), directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, is a compelling portrayal of the final days of Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich as seen through the eyes of Hitler's personal secretary, Traudl Junge. The film is set in 1945, during the Battle of Berlin, and provides a harrowing look into the Nazi leadership's final moments as they face the inevitable collapse of their regime.
The narrative begins with Traudl Junge being selected as Hitler's secretary at the Wolf's Lair in East Prussia and quickly transitions to the claustrophobic confines of the Führerbunker in Berlin, where much of the film takes place. Bruno Ganz delivers a powerful performance as Adolf Hitler, capturing the dictator's delusional fervor, fragile health, and volatile temper as the reality of defeat sets in. The film depicts Hitler's interactions with his closest associates, including Eva Braun, Joseph Goebbels, and other high-ranking Nazi officials, showcasing their blind loyalty, fear, and desperation as the Soviet Army encircles Berlin.
As the Soviet forces advance, the atmosphere within the bunker becomes increasingly tense and suffocating. The film does not shy away from the grim reality of the situation, depicting the chaos above ground in Berlin where German soldiers, including children and the elderly, are conscripted for a futile defense of the city. The stark contrast between the leaders' crumbling world underground and the suffering of the people above is a recurring theme throughout the movie.
"Der Untergang" also explores the complex human emotions and ethical dilemmas faced by those in the bunker, including acts of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for survival. The film culminates in the suicides of Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun, followed by the Goebbels family's tragic end, and the eventual surrender of the remaining forces. Traudl Junge, along with a few others, manages to escape the bunker, confronting the ruins of Berlin and the moral wreckage of her complicity.
In its unflinching representation of one of history's darkest chapters, "Der Untergang" offers a riveting and disturbing insight into the psychology of the Nazi leadership. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the human capacity for both evil and resilience. It stands as a poignant portrayal of the end of an era marked by unprecedented destruction and loss.
Top cast - Der Untergang (2004)
Trailer - Der Untergang (2004)
"Der Untergang," directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, is a cinematic masterpiece that delves into the harrowing depths of human despair and delusion at the twilight of the Third Reich. Released in 2004, the film is an adaptation of the books "Inside Hitler's Bunker" by historian Joachim Fest and "Until the Final Hour" by Traudl Junge, Hitler's personal secretary. It is a bold and unrelenting portrayal of the final days of Adolf Hitler and his closest entourage as they bunker down in Berlin with the Allies closing in.
Bruno Ganz's portrayal of Adolf Hitler is nothing short of astonishing. He brings a disturbing humanity to one of history's most reviled figures, depicting a man oscillating between explosive rage, pathetic delusion, and moments of unsettling tenderness. The film does not attempt to sympathize with Hitler but instead offers a multifaceted character study that is deeply unsettling in its realism. The supporting cast, including Alexandra Maria Lara as Traudl Junge and Ulrich Matthes as Joseph Goebbels, deliver equally compelling performances, capturing the fanaticism, fear, and denial that pervaded the bunker in those final days.
Hirschbiegel's direction is meticulous and unflinching. He creates a claustrophobic atmosphere within the bunker that is palpable, with tight shots and dim lighting that underscore the sense of entrapment felt by those within. This is contrasted with the chaos of Berlin's streets, providing a stark reminder of the suffering and destruction wrought by the Nazi regime. The film's attention to historical detail is commendable, immersing the audience in the period's stark reality without romanticizing or sensationalizing the events.
What sets "Der Untergang" apart is its refusal to look away from the atrocities and moral failures of its characters. It forces viewers to confront the banality of evil and the complexity of human nature in extreme circumstances. The film raises difficult questions about responsibility, complicity, and the cost of blind loyalty. It does not provide easy answers but instead leaves the audience to grapple with the weight of history and its lessons.
In conclusion, "Der Untergang" is a powerful, thought-provoking film that offers a sobering look at one of the darkest chapters in human history. It is a film that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll, not only for its haunting performances and masterful direction but for its unyielding examination of the human condition. It is a significant contribution to the war film genre and a must-see for anyone interested in the complexities of history and the human psyche.