Der Untergang

[TIEdup14]

I actually watched this movie several months ago, but I think this would be a good place for an in-depth discussion of the film.

For those who dont know, Der Untergang is a story told through the eyes of Traudl Junge, a secretary during the last days of WWII (in Germany, at least) living in Adolf Hitler's Fuhrerbunker. The movie depicts Germany during those final days, but more importantly Hitler and those part of the circle of power. The film culminates with the suicides of Hitler and Eva Braun.

http://imdb.com/title/tt0363163/


I have to say that I absolutely loved this movie. Where to begin...

Hitler. Up to this point, I'd never seen Hitler portrayed in a movie in a way other than what I would call "inhuman monster." Basically, the only emotion shown would be anger. But this is decidedly not the case here. Bruno Ganz depicts a more human side of Hitler I think has been previously unseen.

Dont get me wrong, there's still plenty of Hitler to hate-- in one scene he describes how apes always "kill off the odd ones, and what applies to apes definitely applies to humans as well." ::shudder::

But we instead get to see Hitler through a whole gamut of emotions: peacefulness, his hopes/dreams, anger of course, sadness, depression, betrayal, utter dispair... just to name a few.

You can watch this movie and notice a distinct change in Hitler as the end draws near... he hunches more, he grows paler, his eyes lose conviction, etc.

You also get to see the reactions of those closest to him. Some jump ship, and leave the Fuhrer to his own devices in an attempt to save their own neck. Others remain tenatively loyal, though they know there will be no "Final Victory", they never let on to the Fuhrer this fact. Others still are UNWAVERINGLY loyal to the end, with one memorable scene with a nurse pleading with the Fuhrer to "lead us! If you lead I swear we will follow" while bombs explode in the background.

This is just a small sample of what this movie has to offer. For anyone with an interest in WWII history, this is simply a must-see. 5 out of 5 stars.

I'd love to hear some other thoughts on the movie from those who have also seen it!