Superb Anti-War Movie!

Rating: 10/10 (25 July 2006)

Along with Das Boot, Der Untergang (Downfall) is a gripping, realistic film that speaks against war and the megalomania that can fuel a nation into believing it has moral superiority. Together these two films are the pinnacle of anti-war movies.
Bruno Ganz is one of my favorite European actors; his nuanced portrayal of Hitler put me in the bunker along with the remainder of this film's stellar cast.
I saw this film late at night when I should have been in bed getting rest for the next day, but I could not tear myself away from the screen. The film's brutal honesty and the phenomenal performances by the entire cast held me captive till the very end. I cannot say enough positive things to describe this film; from the production to the acting and not least of all the story and its implications.
I admire a people that can bear their sins to the world and admit without reservation the historical crimes they committed. No one race or nation on the face of the planet is free of the guilt that is displayed in this film, but it takes humility and courage to make plain to everyone that what was done to a nation, the world, and to select groups of people is the result of misplaced trust in false leaders. What remains is a national scar or cross to bear, if you will, that will not go away for some time. I think parallels could be drawn to contemporary issues and global concerns. One of the many things this film succeeds at is to remind us of the lessons in history.