This is the dramatisation of the life of German theologian and pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who stood up to the Nazis during the Third Reich. I was completely unaware of this story so this solidly made film from Todd Kormarnicki, who wrote, directed and produced it, and even introduces it on screen, was certainly illuminating. Jonas Dassler is pretty good in the title role, though the rest of the cast have less opportunity to shine.
However, it felt a bit inert, and the constant time shifts somehow lessened the impact. For example, Dietrich is involved in a Hitler assassination attempt, but that potentially nail biting sequence is rushed through whilst we see Bonhoeffer make another pointless trip to America. There are obvious resonances with events of today, with an extreme right wing leader takes control of a previously democratic country using lies, spreading hate, silencing any opposition and weaponising the church so that it worships him.
But, although this was watchable enough, Kormarnicki does not quite convey his subject’s bravery or importance.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10