I recently saw the German film Downfall in a multi-plex theatre in London, England (April 15-20,2005). While on vacation in London I wanted to both see this film and what a foreign movie theatre is like. I went to a 9pm showing of Downfall at the Whitley shopping center complex in Bayswater, London. A modern shopping mall and cinema with latest seats and sound system. Very comfortable and enjoyable.

Like U.S. movies, the theatre sold popcorn and other refreshments. The audience was a mixed group of Germans, French, English and Americans. I was surprised to see Germans in the audience...but more about them later.

Downfall tells the story of Hitler's last days in his bunker from the viewpoint of his secretary. This is a true story based on her memories, with commentary from her at the end of the movie.

I found the film very realistic...kind of a German version of "Saving Private Ryan". The realistic bombshell explosions, battle scenes and other horrors of war were well done.

The movie is in German (at least the version I saw in London) with English subtitles.

Sitting about two rows behind me were a young (20s-30s)German couple. During the entire movie they made commentary in German, which highly annoyed the audience. Many times they were asked to be quiet and did not. At the end of the movie, sensing they were going to be given a talking to, they quickly left the movie theatre.

While I don't know what they were whispering about the movie, I got a sense from their laughs and remarks during the movie they did not feel it was a realistic portrayal of Germans during that period, or that it could not have been real. That they were in denial about what they were seeing on the screen.

I hope that couple reads this review, and if nothing more, learns some manners about watching a movie in a public theatre and has some respect for others in the future. I have never been in a movie theatre in Germany, but I am sure rude talking during the movie is not tolerated. Being rude, is being rude, no matter what culture you come from.

The movie Downfall is worth a look, and is very entertaining. Hopefully, you will not have some rude Germans talking throughout the movie as I did. But seeing the horror of this event and the final days of Hitler's Germany certainly would invoke strong emotions for Germans who may have had parents who lived through this time, or have been indoctrinated all their lives to remember the horrors of their country's tragic past.

A good movie and worth watching.


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age