Downfall (Der Untergang)

2004

Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Corinna Harfouch, Ulrich Matthes, Juliane Kohler, Heino Ferch, Thomas Kretschmann

Downfall tells the story of Hitler (Ganz) and his last days within the confines of his bunker. It is told from the perspective of his young secretary Traudl Junge (Lara). The Russians are closing in, Parkinson's is clouding his judgement and even his closest allies are sceptical about the state of his mental health. Of course we all know the outcome, but seeing it from the inside gives the story an almost human perception.

Of course what Hitler did to the Jews was absolutly horrendous but people forget, that within every dictator is the ability to act completely normal with those they love and cherish. Far from making me sympathise with him, this film actually shows how scary it can be to be so close to someone who can change their personality at the drop of a hat. They may have done some horrendous things under the leadership of Hitler, but the majority of soldiers felt they had no choice. It was do as he says or i will die.

There are some absolutly horrendous scenes but they are so very powerful, there are no duff performances, everyone gives as good as they get. Ganz should have had that Oscar for this one...his likeness to Hitler is quite frightening.

One of my all time fave films, for cinematography and music.

10/10

Volcano

1997

Tommy Lee Jones, Anne Heche, Don Cheadle

Los Angeles is heating up....moreso every day, but nobody knows why! When a group of construction workers are badly burned in the sewers, Policeman, Mike Roark (Jones) heads down to investigate. What he finds will set off a whole catastrophic chain of events which almost sees LA drowning in lava.

First off.....it's a bit of a silly film but it doesn't pretend to be anything other than that. If you enjoy action movies with a charismatic lead then Volcano has it by the bucketful with TLJ! Just don't expect something wonderful and you will enjoy it.

7/10