Downfall (Der Untergang, 2004)

Adapted from two best-selling German books (Inside Hitler's Bunker & Bis zur letzten Stunde), Downfall explores the final two weeks of Hitler and his Third Reich in power and life. The story takes place in Berlin and is narrated from the perspective of Hitler's secretary, a young girl called Traudl Junge (Alexandra Maria Lara).

This film stands out for its attempt to expose not only the usual war atrocities or traumatizing experiences, but also the almost surreal atmosphere that surrounded the decadency of the Nazi regimen. Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel (Das Experiment, 2001), this intense and emotional material triumphs in large part because of the formidable cast selection, including the first-class representation of Adolf Hitler by Bruno Ganz (Bread and Tulips, 2000).

The hope and the fear, the followers and the detractors, the clarity and the madness; to experience the contrast between the claustrophobic living conditions in the bunker and the no man’s land outside of it, pays the ticket of the quasi documentary. Downfall was among the 2005 Academy Awards nominees for Best Foreign Language Film. Don't let its extended running time (2:36h) prevent you from appreciating it. It is definitely worth a watch.