Absolutely stunning. This movie will numb you from head to toe.

Rating: 9/10 (15 April 2006)

I will keep this reaction brief, as to not try and dig too deep into my mind for words, because, in all honesty, there will never be enough to fully describe how enthralling this film truly is.
Telling the story of Hitler's final days, shot almost entirely from the bunker in which he took his last breaths, Downfall is a film that enlightens; it will show you that no matter how cold the blood or how black the heart, human emotion is unavoidable. This, in my opinion, is best seen in the eyes of Bruno Ganz, who does a superb portrayal of the ruthless dictator, when the time draws near to take his own life. As a viewer, you can feel his uncertainty about the situation that he endures; you can sense almost a mild fear in him as the thought crosses his mind. His body language conveys the tremendous amount of stress he under as the doctor sits down with him and gives him advice on the 'best way' to commit suicide. It chills to the bone.
However, no scene will pull your heart as if it were tied to a one thousand pound weight than the murder of Ms. Goebbel's children by Goebbel herself. It invokes mass hatred towards both her and her husband, Dr Goebbel, as he could not gather himself to do it, thus forcing the deed on his wife. Either way you tilt the balance, though, the length of the scene and the realism it provokes will haunt you, and it is certainly NOT for the emotionally weak.
There are handfuls of scenes, lines, and other small details in this film that make it as fantastic as it is, albeit depressing and bleak. All one needs to do is browse these message boards to learn about them all, but I highly suggest you see for yourself. If you are a war or movie enthusiast, this film should not go unwatched. Just prepare to be shaken.