Bonhoeffer chronicles the extraordinary courage of the famed theologian and Lutheran pastor who stood firm against Nazi Germany's genocidal oppression. His staunch belief that Christians must act compassionately while following God's divine principles was unwavering through his final days as a political prisoner sentenced to death in a concentration camp. Bonhoeffer witnessed humanity's worst traits in Europe and America, but refused to remain silent or idle in the face of unbridled evil. He galvanized others to bold action and made the ultimate sacrifice for his faith.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Radical Theologian of the People
When a pacifist is called to a political act that could change the course of history, a man of honour responds. This is the true story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a man who preached love while plotting the assassination of an evil tyrant.
- Release Date
- November 22, 2024
- Director
- Todd Komarnicki
- Cast
- Jonas Dassler , August Diehl , Moritz Bleibtreu , David Jonsson
- Runtime
- 2h 12m
- Writers
- Todd Komarnicki
- Studio
- Crow's Nest Productions, FontanaIn Plain Sight Group
- Bonhoeffer is a crucial 20th century figure and it's great to see his interesting life explored.
- The rare movie that is both deeply spiritual and can be appreciated by mainstream audiences.
- The exploration of Bonhoeffer's early life is very well done.
- The film falters when it attempts suspense during the second act, and is all very melodramatic.
In April 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Jonas Dassler) is beaten before being put on a bus. He cradles his treasured Bible as he and other members of the Abwehr, a German intelligence organization, are taken to a concentration camp. Bonhoeffer looks at the worn pages as he remembers his youth. The film then cuts to his childhood at the dawn of World War I. He plays hide-and-seek with Walter (Patrick Mölleken), his beloved older brother, before he's sent to the front lines. Walter gives him his Bible with the best scriptures underlined.
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In 1930, Bonhoeffer travels to America for the first time. He attends New York City's Union Theological Seminary. It is a transformative experience. Bonhoeffer befriends Frank Fisher (David Jonsson), a Black student who takes him to church in Harlem. Bonhoeffer is overwhelmed with joy at the music, fellowship, and electrifying sermons. He didn't know that church could be so lively and fulfilling. Bonhoeffer finds a welcome place among the parishioners, but is woefully ignorant about America's despicable racism. He learns the hard way what happens to whites who congregate with Blacks.
Bonhoeffer returns several years later to Germany in the early stages of Hitler's grasp. He's shocked by the demonization of Jews and the Nazi takeover of the German church. Bonhoeffer's parents (Moritz Bleibtreu, Nadine Heidenreich) warn him to tread carefully. The SS did not take kindly to anyone critical of their fascist regime. Bonhoeffer had no fear of retribution. Hitler's deification was a sin before God and must be publicly challenged.
A Brilliant Pastor Fights Church & State
Writer/director Todd Komarnicki, primarily known for producing Elf and his screenplays (Perfect Stranger, Sully), employs a flashback structure to portray a devout man whose innocence is continually shattered and shaped by cruelty. Bonhoeffer wants to earnestly believe in people's best instincts. He doesn't understand why Blacks in America are treated as second-class citizens, or how Germany can villainize Jews for its problems. These actions directly contradict Christian virtues. His surprise and disgust at the church's failure to protect the subjugated prompts a stark change in outlook.
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Bonhoeffer's second act sees the young pastor assuming a leadership role against the German church and government. He becomes an instrumental member of the Confession Church as the tides of war begin to swell again. There had to be a direct religious response against Hitler's blasphemous edicts. Dassler, a seasoned film and theater actor, changes countenance to a trailblazing warrior for dissent. Bonhoeffer comes into his own as a proactive agent resolved to stop Hitler at all costs.
Great Drama Becomes Weak Suspense Without Tension
Komarnicki hits a decidedly uneven patch as Bonhoeffer evolves from a vociferous clergyman to a clandestine spy and assassin. Pulses will pound as Bonhoeffer rallies the British church for support with inspirational orations. But the collusion with his brother-in-law, Hans von Dohnanyi (Flula Borg), in the Abwehr, and return to the United States feels strangely forced. The film took proper time to establish a strong early exposition and then skips through critical rising action. The various plots to kill Hitler are devoid of tension when they should be nail-biting. There's an odd ebb and flow to the plot when it should be the most intense.
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Bonhoeffer regains emotional gravitas as he suffers dramatically while imprisoned. Your heart breaks as he weeps in despair, but refuses to be broken by Nazi tyranny. As Jesus Christ pleaded, why has God forsaken him? Bonhoeffer realizes that faith will be his deliverance. He knows that the path of righteousness is beset by suffering, and must follow in the steps of Christ to achieve salvation. These powerful moments of conviction are superbly emoted by Dassler. The vile Nazis may take his breath, but they will never extinguish his light. He becomes a beacon of strength and admiration to everyone around him.
Bonhoeffer treads heavily with melodrama. That's forgivable here in most instances. The protagonist is a preacher spreading the word of God. This is rarely done succinctly. You believe Dassler's fervor and passion for good. Bonhoeffer fought for decency, civility, and kindness. This is an unabashed faith-based story, but you don't have to be religious or a Christian to empathize with its universal themes.
Bonhoeffer is a production of Tharos Films, Crow's Nest Productions, and Fontana. It will be released theatrically on November 22nd from Angel Studios.
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