Downfall

[jgk3]

Thanks to the endless stream of parodies on the scene where hitler is freaking out at the bleak reality of the Soviets surrounding his base in Berlin, I decided to watch parts 8 to 15 again on youtube.

I had watched it once before, but did not realize then how brilliantly this film was executed to appease both mainstream liberal audiences who are appauled by the ruthlessness and the apparenty inhumainity of the Third Reich from beginning till the end, whilst for those who understand the meaning of tradition, hierarchy, loyalty and order, the actions of the Fuhrer and all those who were loyal to him, the punishment of those who strayed from him, give us a supreme sense of self justification. Watching this movie, we see the most bleak happenings imagineable to those who wish to keep to their ideals.

What are your thoughts?

[yerazhishda]

I haven't heard of this movie until recently from this forum. Looks to be very interesting, especially concerning the psychology of Hitler at the time. I'll have to go look for it at the library because I don't really want to see a movie on YouTube :p.

Here is an interesting quote from the amazon.com review that is related to your statements, jgk:

"While staging most of the film in the claustrophobic bunker where Hitler spent his final days, director Oliver Hirschbiegel (Das Experiment) dares to show the gentler human side of der Fuehrer, as opposed to the pure embodiment of evil so familiar from many other Nazi-era dramas."

Compare this with movies that are out today, including Tom Cruise's "Valkyrie". The movie portrays the would-be assassin as a hero when in reality he was probably going to kill Hitler for mere political reasons, not because of a higher sense of morality as xxxish Hollywood might have you believe.

[Armenian]

Thanks to the endless stream of parodies on the scene where hitler is freaking out at the bleak reality of the Soviets surrounding his base in Berlin, I decided to watch parts 8 to 15 again on youtube.

Stop being cheap and purchase the DVD. The acting, the cinematography, the sets, the production, the historical accuracy... Simply put, it's an 'amazing' film. For me, it ranks amongst the finest in motion pictures.

[meline]

I still remember the wave of shock it caused in Europe :)

Great director! Excellent film. One of the few good ones over the past decade;)

[Armanen]

Is Consipiracy worth getting too? Amazon.com suggests that if you like Downfall then you'll like Conspiracy as well.

[One-Way]

Stop being cheap and purchase the DVD.

A little harsh, don't you think?

[meline]

Conspiracy is quite good, although a bit far fetched at times (my humble opinion)

[jgk3]

A little harsh, don't you think?

Gets the message across :P

I think it's a great idea, it's actually worth buying.