estimation. events. exchange.

The Downfall

Hitler and the End of the Third Reich

estimation

events

exchange

		.

After World War II, in Germany the themes "3rd Reich" and "Nazi" have been largely repressed in public. Most motion pictures about the victims were produced outside Germany, as "Holocaust" and Steven Spielberg´s "Schindler´s List". A few german movies handled this era bashfully; persons from the leadership were mostly taboo.

Now, six decades after end of war, the offenders get into the spotlight. Hitler and Himmler, Goebbels and Goering, these persons are the central characters of "The Downfall" (german title: Der Untergang). This movie presents the leaders of the nazis as humans with all their attributes. Is it possible to stage the feelings of these monsters - separation and desperation, suicides and bitterness - in Berlin end of April 1945 without arousing commiseration or sympathy? Is it appropriate for germans to make a film about their formal leaders and showing them so human with the risk of betittlement? Or is it even a duty to exhibit the pitiful mania of nazism? Because the phenomenon of "Nationalsozialismus" presupposes the comprehension of the person and personallity of Adolf Hitler.

We have collected material about the movie "The Downfall" as well as original documents about the last days in the "Fuehrerbunker". Last but not least we want to inspire a discussion. Show us your point of view, write your opinion in our forum!!