IN SHORT: A fascinating, shocking, moving film. INCREDIBLE ACTING.

Rating: 9/10 (27 April 2006)

This is a German film about the last few days of the war and Hitler's reign as seen from within the walls of the Fuhrer's bunker. We are given a unique perspective of the desperate last few moments of Germany's dictator as his mental state becomes more unstable and he swings from fantasies of a last minute victory with invisible forces to hopelessness and a vengeful sense of betrayal. We are also given a glimpse of the horror faced by ordinary Berliners as a result of the overwhelming assault of allied forces.
Downfall is a very well made film it has some incredible effects and depicts the brutality and destruction of war as well as any war film I have ever seen. The film also avoids limiting it's portrayal of the main events and characters within the story with a well-rounded and realistic visual explanation of the madness of war.
What really makes this film something special is the acting. Bruno Ganz's depiction of Adolf Hitler is incredible. Not only is he able to recreate the famous power and zeal, he is also shows us the human side of the leader and his connection with those within his inner circle. This is essential for us to understand why so many followed him through the madness, and also enables us to mark the insanity of his anti-semitic mandate.
The rest of the cast support beautifully and the attention to detail with the costumes and sets captures the time perfectly. I was blown away by this film and as long as you don't mind education as much as entertainment you must see this film.