Man, what can I say about Ganz and overall about the movie that the critics haven't said? For those who haven't seen it or read the reviews, its about the battle for Berlin, mostly from the intimacy of Hitler's command Bunker, although there are some intense above ground battle scenes scattered throughout the flick.Bruno Ganz's portrayal is absolutely spot on. Never for a moment did I think I was seeing an actor. This actor seemed to be the personification of Hitler (based on what I've seen in literally hundreds if not thousands of documentaries and film clips over my 55 years). Yes, there were moments showing Hitler's softer side, such as it was. But these seemed to make his evil all the more real. Suberb supporting performances all around. Supposedly the movie was based on two books, one by a secretary of Hitler's who was with him from 1942 to the end, and who made a nice real life appearance and little speech during the rolling of the credits at the end.
Very hi up on the Particularly Disturbing Scale are Goebbels and his wife Magda. Two monsters who rivalled Hitler in those last days.
This is one intense, hard hitting movie. Its only weakness was it drug along a bit, especially at the end. However, the filmaker appeared to want to leave no stone unturned/loose end untied and he succeeded. Some reviewers have said its one of the best war films ever made, up there with Das Boot and SPR. IMHO, perhaps 1/2* under them.
For historians and movie lovers, this was a great look at ten days or so that so far as I know, haven't been captured on film. In German w/subtitles, Joe Bob says ***1/2, check it out.
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Topic - Bruno Ganz as Hitler in "Downfall". Terrific!! - Road Warrior 13:09:22 03/28/05 (33)
- Re: Fake fake fake... - patrickU 07:48:04 03/29/05 (32)
- Patrick Patrick Patrick - Road Warrior 17:14:08 03/29/05 (16)
- Re: Patrick Patrick Patrick - patrickU 00:46:44 03/30/05 (14)
- Ok, sorry you took offense at my question, I - tinear 05:02:32 03/30/05 (13)
- Re: You bet, when Audiophilander does... - patrickU 07:21:17 03/30/05 (12)
- We agree Patrick, on two things at least - Road Warrior 08:37:56 03/30/05 (3)
- Re: We agree Patrick, on two things at least - patrickU 23:58:14 03/30/05 (0)
- Re: We agree Patrick, on two things at least - patrickU 09:01:18 03/30/05 (1)
- Three * - Road Warrior 09:38:46 03/30/05 (0)
- Re: You bet, when Audiophilander does... - jamesgarvin 08:27:39 03/30/05 (1)
- Re: You bet, when Audiophilander does... - patrickU 00:08:47 03/31/05 (0)
- "Tout comprendre, c'est tout perdonner"... yes, I see what makes you angry about this film. But... - orejones 07:46:16 03/30/05 (5)
- Re: "Tout comprendre, c'est tout perdonner"... yes, I see what makes you angry about this film. But... - patrickU 09:55:09 03/30/05 (4)
- "Would Mr. Bush and AH made a nice couple?" - Like a monkey & an organ-grinder... - Audiophilander 15:32:17 03/30/05 (0)
- Of course I would never condone what that bastard did!! I was quoting just... - orejones 11:01:50 03/30/05 (2)
- Re: Of course I would never condone what that bastard did!! I was quoting just... - patrickU 23:44:19 03/30/05 (1)
- Alec G. did not make a good Hitler (too Shakespearian and elegant) - grinagog 21:20:58 03/31/05 (0)
- Remember Patrick is FRENCH. Even though AH is the Patron Saint of French Occupation he still doesn't like him. * - mr grits 19:22:44 03/29/05 (0)
- what`s the German term for "elitist snob" ?..........* - jaiva 16:18:06 03/29/05 (6)
- Ubersnobben * - mr grits 19:20:22 03/29/05 (1)
- Re: Ubersnobben * / Ah-ha! - patrickU 00:48:40 03/30/05 (0)
- Yes Patrick....we need to know what to call this "jaiva" poseur. (nt - dennzio 18:19:55 03/29/05 (3)
- Re:" Ein Möchte gern- Linker "....nt - patrickU 01:32:37 03/30/05 (0)
- LOL! the thanks I get for standing up for you American tourists!....* - jaiva 18:53:18 03/29/05 (1)
- Re: American, only because this apply... - patrickU 00:50:59 03/30/05 (0)
- How would YOU know what are or are not the facts, were you in the bunker with der Fuhrer? - Audiophilander 09:59:13 03/29/05 (3)
- Re: Beat it... - patrickU 10:16:39 03/29/05 (2)
- You completely missed, or rather obliterated the point: - Audiophilander 11:07:12 03/29/05 (1)
- Re: Saint Audiophilander.... - patrickU 01:13:31 03/30/05 (0)
- Sounds like you're quoting a review and that - tinear 09:49:49 03/29/05 (3)
- Re: Yes I am quoting... - patrickU 10:12:37 03/29/05 (2)
- Roll with the punches, Patrick - grinagog 16:01:47 03/29/05 (1)
- Re: Roll with the punches, Patrick - patrickU 01:07:26 03/30/05 (0)