Downfall (Der Untergang) 2004
March 11th, 2010 | by Ridhima Suri |
image: kosmix
Movie on Adolf Hitler
This is not the first time I have liked a movie based on the Holocaust/Hitler Regime/World War II. For people who like movies on World War II this is a must watch. The movie tells facts from the story of Adolf Hitler’s secretary who lived in Berlin till 2001. This adds so much credibility to the narration and one is left witnessing the downfall of the Nazi regime. The screenplay is good and the cinematography is great (especially where Berlin is shown in ruins). Many emotions have been captured: fear, uncertainty, hope, faith, loyalty, determination, bravery, etc.
Hitler’s secretary claimed she had no idea of his atrocities until later. To her, he was just a kind boss and she had full faith in him. She did not know about the genocidal atrocities of the man. All she knew was that in the last 12 days of the war, the dictator was devastated. He knew things were falling apart and he would end his life (commit suicide) to keep his honor.
The narrative also suggests that there are ‘no leaders without followers’ and belief in the leader’s preachings is what makes a difference. Many of Hitler’s supporters committed suicide and in action, did not give in to the enemy. Call it fanaticism or fear..they did it show commitment to their leader. The movie shows a mother poisoning her children, and Hitler describing the tricks to assured suicide. He knows that his supporters will die soon. Before shooting himself he is shown a man of honor who has his last meal with calm. The movie can be considered a documentary based on what happened in the the last few days of Adolf Hitler’s life. To an extent one is left feeling pity for him: that’s the message the secretary gave the viewer! She had sympathy for her Fuhrer!
There are good parts in the movie as well..the doctor who would not flee to help hundreds in pain, the little boy who helped people escape, and the man who tries to reason with young soldiers that the war is over.
Cost of War
According to an estimate about 21-26 million people lost their lives during the Nazi regime. This toll includes deaths due to genocide, political will, and mass murder.War is never good. There can be no good from violence and murder. The movie simply presents facts from the eyes of the secretary. There is no judgement passed which adds more credibility to the narrative.
Make the world a peaceful place to live
‘Downfall’ leaves the viewer numb and depressed. Even after watching tens of movies on World War II, one has the question “Why did this happen?” There is lingering depression with no anger..just sympathy for the victims of war and bloodshed. There are several wars being waged in different parts of the world at emotional and physical level. Hundreds of men and women fall victim to the wrongful deeds of a few. How far is this justified? movies like Downfall must be seen in Africa, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, India and other parts of the world. There is no good to war. The world should be a peaceful place to live.
Other movies that I like in the same genre:
1. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
2. Valkyrie (2008)
3. The Kite Runner (2007)
4. Schindler’s List (1993)
5. Life is Beautiful (2000)
6. Letters from Iwo Jima (2007)
7. Flags of our Fathers (2006)
Youtube link : Hitler’s angry reaction to the IPad
The popular IPad video with english subtitles is also based on this film. Here is the youtube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_EcybyLJS8
Language : German (subtitles in english)
Duration: 156 minutes
Tags: der untergang, downfall, History, hitler, holocaust, Movie, Movie Reviews, World History, world war II
