Powerful and real, you will smell of grit and smoke after this movie.

Rating: 9/10 (31 March 2005)

This movie was fantastic. It truly represents the talented film making that comes from the European market without the Hollywood budget. The actors portray their roles fantastically, you believe you are seeing the real Hitler, Goebbels, etc. The film goes deep enough to allow you to understand the mindset of the characters, given the circumstances they are in. It does so in a manner which prevents you from slouching in your seat for even a moment of this film, which runs a good part of two and a half hours. It masterfully dances on a line, balancing the viewer on an emotional tightrope between sympathy and anger for the characters. The thing that was the most impressive was the fact that there was no Hollywood sub-plot, that we all too often see with major motion pictures. This movie just focuses on Berlin, under siege, with no fictional heroes- only one inevitable conclusion- utter capitulation. This movie is well worth any price of admission.