The Last Days of Adolf Hitler

Rating: 9/10 (6 August 2005)

When we think of World War II, we think of epic battles and storming beaches. There was the naval battles in the Pacific and the land warfare in Europe. One of the most infamous people of WWII was Adolf Hitler, a man that brainwashed an entire nation into believing in his cause. Considered one of the most powerful evil geniuses in history, his final days were not so cunning. The last days of Adolf Hitler can now be seen.
In Oliver Hirschbiegel's epic Downfall (USA title), we see the end of WWII for the German's. Berlin is surrounded and Hitler (Bruno Ganz) is running out of options fast. He and his staff of experienced commanders are now faced with a huge decision, stay in Berlin and try to fight off the Russian's, or surrender and try to make a peace treaty. Hitler will have no talk of surrender, for he would rather commit suicide than see his country beg for mercy. His newly acquired secretary Traudl Junge (Alexandra Maria Lara) is caught up in the mess of things. The Russian's are closing in on the city and the morale is fading fast amongst Hitler's commanders.
In the streets, there are those who are loyal to the Nazi party and Hitler's reign. They fight till they have no bullets left and then end their life. There are those who hide in the ruins of the once prosperous city. Hitler and all of his cabinet are stationed underground to avoid any bombings from the invaders. It is here that the commands are sent out and the roots of treason are mended. One by one some of Hitler's 'top dogs' start to open negotiations with the US, England, and Russia, issuing the surrender of Germany due to Hitler's incapacity to continue his rule. Upon hearing the news of his commander's treachery, the Fuhrer is enraged, wanting them arrested and executed. Soon, everyone in the bunker is feeling anxious of Hitler's next move.
Hirschbiegel's film is a masterpiece, delivering on many levels. What is shown on film is a powerful portrait of one of the most sinister men to walk the earth. He is scene as the Fuhrer, a man who with order can kill hundreds and thousands of innocent people...because he can. Then there is the side people don't see, the real Adolf Hitler. This is what Traudl sees and what Eva Braun has come to love in him. His spirit almost broken, Hitler looks as if he has aged way beyond his years. Ganz is brilliant as the Fuhrer and gives him human qualities when he is usually looked at as a monster.
Downfall is a stunning account of the last days in Adolf Hitler's bunker. The final battles between the Russian's and the German's are coming to an end. This is the downfall of the Nazi Regime, and the entire globe is waiting for the biggest war ever to come to an end...