an interesting look at Hitler's final days.

Rating: 9/10 (14 September 2004)

bruno ganz's Hitler was outstanding. i had to remind myself during the film that i was not watching a documentary and that it was an actor - he should be nominated for his performance. i cannot begin to describe how well bruno ganz portrayed Hitler.
i never quite understood why so many followed Hitler and were willing to sacrifice their lives and their children's' lives for him and his "cause". this movie shines some light into Hitler's character, revealing qualities and traits never before seen in Hollywood's Hitler. you can almost begin to understand why people looked up to him; yet the film does not let you forget what he did, how many people died because of him and the evil inside his plan.
in my mind there is nothing controversial about this film. it is well acted and well-shot. scenes are endearing, brutal, depressing and just plain interesting. at the end of the film the audience is not "converted" nor does the film cause you to pity Hitler and his followers. instead you are left with more of a balanced outlook on the second world war - suddenly you realize that there were no winners and too many casualties on both sides.
this film should be remembered as one of the great films dealing with the second world war.