War Reviews
Browse our collection of war reviews and ratings
Downfall
"Downfall" transports us to Hitler's bunker during his last days at the end of World War II. My attention was held by Bruno Ganz's engrossing performance as Hitler, a role that he delivers with frightening conviction. Ganz offers a nuanced human portrait of the dictator that we usually only see as a caricature of pure evil, showing his moments of both hysterical rage and tender affection. The structure of the film is not linear, rather there are characters that come in and out of focus providing different perspectives on the horrific events unfolding. There are moments of quiet amidst the chaos that give space for introspection, like when Hitler's secretary, Traudl Junge, tells a child soldier that the world is not only good and evil, black and white. Certain moments feel overly dramatized for cinematic effect. For instance, the subplot of Hitler's doctor, which feels somewhat peripheral to the main narrative. Overall, however, the film offers an intense, bleak depiction of a historical moment that can be appreciated by history buffs and fans of war dramas.
Das Boot
Das Boot, translated to "The Boat," is a gripping tale of tension and isolation set on a German U-boat during World War II. Director Wolfgang Petersen brings the claustrophobic reality of life aboard a submarine to life in chilling detail. The film is a technical marvel, with spectacular sound design that keeps you feeling trapped under water with the crew. The film excels not only in its authentic production design but also by humanizing the enemy. We see young German men not as Nazism's stalwarts but as game pieces in a destructive war. The crew's fear, frustration, and small moments of celebration strike an emotional chord. Das Boot is a cinematic achievement and highly recommended for its visceral depiction of war, high-stakes tension, and remarkable characterization. It's an immersive, stressful, yet utterly captivating experience that will rattle you to your core.