Bonhoeffer Review | A Powerful Portrayal of Faith & Courage Against Evil

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As I delve into the captivating tale of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I am left in awe of this extraordinary individual whose unwavering courage and steadfast faith in the face of unspeakable evil is truly inspiring. Born at the dawn of World War I, he experienced the harsh realities of war firsthand, yet it was his journey to America that truly transformed him. His friendship with a Black student at Union Theological Seminary opened his eyes to the harsh realities of racism, a stark contrast to the Christian virtues he held dear.

In a compelling narrative, we follow the brave story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a renowned theologian and Lutheran pastor, who bravely resisted Nazi Germany’s ruthless persecution. Even as a political prisoner condemned to death in a concentration camp, his conviction that Christians should demonstrate compassion while adhering to God’s divine teachings never faltered. Witnessing the darkest aspects of humanity across Europe and America, Bonhoeffer chose not to stand idly by or remain silent in the face of unfettered wickedness. Instead, he inspired others to take bold action and ultimately made a supreme sacrifice for his beliefs.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Radical Theologian of the People

In April 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Jonas Dassler) is brutally beaten and then boarded onto a bus, along with other members of the Abwehr, a German intelligence agency. As they are transported to a concentration camp, Bonhoeffer clutches his cherished Bible close to him. In his final moments, he reflects on his youth as he gazes at the worn pages. The movie then flashes back to his childhood, marking the start of World War I. He can be seen playing hide-and-seek with Walter (Patrick Mölleken), his beloved elder brother, before being deployed to the battlefield. Walter hands him his Bible, highlighting the most meaningful passages.

1930 marks the first time Bonhoeffer sets foot in America. He enrolls at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, an encounter that proves life-changing. There, he strikes up a friendship with Frank Fisher (David Jonsson), a fellow student of African descent. Together, they visit churches in Harlem, an experience Bonhoeffer cherishes for the heartwarming music, companionship, and powerful sermons. He had never imagined church could be so vibrant and meaningful. Initially, Bonhoeffer feels accepted among the congregation, yet he remains oblivious to America’s abhorrent racial prejudice. He learns this difficult lesson when he experiences the consequences of associating with Black Americans.

Years later, Bonhoeffer goes back to Germany during the early days of Hitler’s rule. He’s appalled by the persecution of Jews and the control the Nazis exerted over the German church. Bonhoeffer’s parents (played by Moritz Bleibtreu and Nadine Heidenreich) advise him to be cautious due to the harsh responses from the SS towards anyone critical of their authoritarian regime. However, Bonhoeffer wasn’t afraid of reprisals. In his view, worshipping Hitler was a sin against God and needed to be confronted publicly.

A Brilliant Pastor Fights Church & State

Todd Komarnicki, recognized mainly for his work on ‘Elf’ and scripts such as ‘Perfect Stranger’ and ‘Sully’, uses a flashback narrative technique to depict a deeply religious man whose innocence is repeatedly tainted by cruelty. Bonhoeffer strives sincerely to trust people’s good qualities. He finds it hard to comprehend the discrimination against African Americans in America or Germany’s persecution of Jews, which are actions that directly go against Christian values. This incongruity shocks and appalls him, leading to a profound shift in his perspective.

In the continuation of my journey, I find myself stepping forward as a leader, challenging both the church and government in Germany that I call home. As part of the Confession Church, I become a key figure in a religious movement responding directly to the blasphemous decrees of Hitler.

Great Drama Becomes Weak Suspense Without Tension

In a less consistent manner, Komarnicki portrays Bonhoeffer’s transformation from a passionate priest to a covert operative and assassin as somewhat abrupt. Viewers may find their hearts racing as Bonhoeffer mobilizes the British church with motivational speeches. However, the plotline involving his brother-in-law, Hans von Dohnanyi (played by Flula Borg), in the Abwehr, and the return to America seems out of place and unnatural. The film spends adequate time setting up a compelling early narrative but hurries through crucial developments in the middle. The multiple attempts on Hitler’s life lack the necessary suspense that should keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Instead, the storyline experiences an unusual rhythm when it ought to be at its peak intensity.

In a moving portrayal, Bonhoeffer’s emotional weight intensifies as he endures profound suffering while in prison. Your heart aches as he sheds tears of despair, yet remains unbroken in the face of Nazi oppression. One might wonder, why has God abandoned him, much like Jesus Christ pleaded on the cross. However, Bonhoeffer comes to understand that faith will be his salvation. He recognizes that the way of righteousness is fraught with hardship, and he must walk in the footsteps of Christ to attain redemption. These poignant moments of conviction are brilliantly brought to life by Dassler. Despite the efforts of the vicious Nazis to snuff out his spirit, they can never dim his radiance. Instead, Bonhoeffer becomes a source of inspiration and strength for all those around him.

Bonhoeffer carries a dramatic tone, which can be excused in many cases. Given that he is a preacher disseminating God’s message, brevity isn’t usually his strong suit. You sense Dassler’s zeal and devotion to the righteousness. Bonhoeffer stood up for morality, civility, and compassion. This narrative is openly rooted in faith, yet one doesn’t need to be religious or Christian to resonate with its universal messages.

The film titled Bonhoeffer is being produced by Tharos Films, Crow’s Nest Productions, and Fontana. It is set to hit theaters on November 22nd, distributed by Angel Studios.

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2024-11-01 02:02