MOVIE: Downfall (Der Untergang)

An excellent war movie. Unlike any other because of it's unique circumstances. Handled tactfully, showing the different sides of Hitler as described by those near him, but in a reaslistic and controversially 'human' way. By no means an apologetic view of Der Fuhrer, and infact even more chilling to see the portrayal as matter of fact. A bizarre suspension of reality of the german people and the horrific reality of what their blind faith had cost them as the end nears.

The story follows the final few days in the Fuhrer Bunker, but provides excellent early context of the narrative charachter, as well as succinct glimpses of the suffering of soldiers and civilians in the Berlin precinct's as the Russian army closes in. A large cast of the Nazi heirachy and staff are voyeured as they deal with the inevitable and terrifying situation they find themselves in.

Unique and powerful. Excellent performances and some uncanny likenesses. Compared to Saving Private Ryan, Das Boot and Stalingrad - and worthy among that company.