Customer Reviews

Bonhoeffer

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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a compeling documentary about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a prominent Christian theologian. Bonhoeffer, who lived in Germany during the time of Nazi rule, ultimately gave his life in an effort to stop Hitler's tyranical rule and opression of the Jewish race.

The documentary explores the concept of Christian ethics, and shows how Bonhoeffer was able to reconcile seemingly contradictory beliefs of the sanctity of life and justice - to the point that he was willing to participate in the resistance's attempts to assasinate Hitler.

The documentary uses phenomenal footage of Hitler's reign, interviews with Bonhoeffer's friends, family, and students, and analysis from historians to vividly tell this story. The story has direct relevance to the world we live in today.

If you are interested in an uplifitng account of how God can use one ordinary man to make a difference, then this movie is for you. Or, if you simply want to watch an amazingly well told documentary about an important era in German history (without feeling preached at), then this film also is for you. It certainly makes you think about our current world politics from a fresh point of view.

A+ for content
A+ for presentation

This documentary is quite simply a must see. My buddy and I contemplated driving from Sacramento to Seattle to see it before we heard about it on DVD. Simply put, it would have been worth the trip. The film is mostly primary sources, those close to Dietrich, several of whom passed away shortly after its filming. Bonhoeffer is one of the most compelling theologians of the twentieth century and this is the best window into his life available. Costly grace, ethical constructs of good vs good and the world come of age are all paradigm shifting ideas - but the locus of their authority rests in the details of his life and risks taken in the name of bold action in service of God. Highly recommended.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born in Breslau, Germany, in 1906, to wealthy, privileged, and well-connected parents. He received his doctorate in theology in 1927. At a time when Germany was reeling from her humiliation at the hands of the Allies after World War I, the proponents of National Socialism began to capture the loyalty of Germans who were desperate to recover their economic, cultural, political, and military glory. Bonhoffer searched his soul, his conscience, and his Bible, in an effort to decide where his responsibilities lie. His decision to risk his freedom and his life by actively resisting the Nazis will forever set him apart as a man of valor.

"Bonhoeffer" is a superb documentary. It is informative, well-researched, and intensely moving. Rare archival footage includes a scene in which Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli (the future Pope Pius XII), and Germany's vice chancellor, Franz von Papen, formally sign a concordat between the Holy See and the German Reich on July 20, 1933. The surrender of the Roman Catholic Church to Hitler's might at the expense of the helpless victims of Nazi terror makes Bonhoeffer's sacrifices all the more remarkable. There is also hard-hitting footage of Hitler and Goebbels spouting their venom before thousands of cheering and ebullient German citizens.

This ninety-minute documentary, in both black and white and color, includes comments by survivors, historians, and theologians who knew Bonhoeffer; their words lend gravity and verisimilitude to the film. These individuals describe Bonhoeffer as an inspiring teacher, a thoughtful writer of theological treatises, and finally, an active resister who took part in a failed conspiracy to assassinate Hitler. Bonhoeffer had an opportunity to stay in America, where, from a safe haven, he could have attempted to inspire resistance to the Nazi regime. However, Bonhoeffer could not bring himself to abandon his homeland at a time when she was under siege by an evil dictator.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer believed that religion is not an abstraction, but a way of life. It was his opinion that a man of God must care for all of his fellow human beings, and reach out to support them when they are in need. His example will forever inspire men and women of conscience as they continue to fight for the freedoms that we often take for granted. This film would be an excellent selection for high school and college students as part of a curriculum on the Holocaust, theology, and human rights.

The producers have done an exceptional job making a compelling biopic on someone on whom there is almost no video footage. (We see Bonhoeffer in a moving image only once, at a family outdoor event, as I recall).

At the same time, they've made a movie about Germany, and in particular about how the Protestant and Catholic churches in Germany coped -- in some cases, welcomed -- the rise of the Nazi party, and about how Hitler himself used religious speech to his own ends. Almost all the footage of Hitler in this film is stuff I've never seen before; some of it startled me.

I learned a great deal, and was glad I did. The movie will probably appeal most to people interested in Bonhoeffer as a theologian and writer, but History Channel fans may get gripped too.

These were Dietrich Bonhoeffer's last words before he was hanged, naked, on a gallows of the evil Nazi regime (sadly, only weeks before his concentration camp was liberated by the Allies in WWII).

This 90 min. 12 chapters DVD is a documentary-styled film about the life and writings of a person called Dietrich Bonhoeffer. (The other reviewers did a good job at presenting his background).

This DVD can be enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians alike.

A legacy of God's grace, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a pastor, theologian, university professor, anti-Nazi conspirator, and martyr who detected early on the evils of a new monster rising amidst his Germanic countrymen (Adolf Hitler as Fuehrer, racism as means of national liberation, the deification of state authority, the corruption of the state churches) and amidst Christendom before the break of WWII in September 1939. His theology and actions also saved the lives of some Jews he personally helped escape to Switzerland.

What sets this DVD apart from the other documentary films made on the legacy of this martyr ("Hanged on a Twisted Cross" by T.D.Mohan, and "Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace" by Eric Till) and a German-made movie (which I do not think has yet been subtitled or dubbed in English) are the fresh new historical footages, live interviews with Dietrich's entourage, friends, and surviving family member. One will also be privileged to see snippet interviews with historians, theologians, ministers, authors, and scholars who have studied Bonhoeffer's life and writings, and also the times (WWI, rise of Social Nationalism in Germany) that influenced Bonhoeffer's writings. The interviews are with people from 3 continents, some who only speak German (subtitles provided), and from various traditions.

After watching this film, one will have a very intimate understandings of Bonhoeffer's theology (for world peace, costly grace, social justice, understanding of church's role in society, ethics under an opressive murderous regime, Christ's role in a believer's life and in ecclesiastical matters) and internal struggles that made him return to a dangerous Germany after an eclectic and ecumenical experience abroad in more than 3 countries. Also a key element is how the struggle of being a true Christian to the gospel message in Nazi Germany changed Dietrich from a Pacifist to a collaborator and activist with the Resistance that was plotting and carrying Hitler's assassination attempts.

Another interesting aspect of this DVD film are the details of his romance and courtship with Maria von Wedermeyer, who became his fianc? (I won't spoil the details here).

For the non-Christian viewer this film is valuable in understanding at what level and under what circumstances the two main German state-churches (Catholic and Lutheran Evangelical) collaborated with the Nazi regime and how they tried to achieve their agenda (as a result of the devastation that WWI had on the lives of former Christians) by compromising with an evil regime. Also of historical interest, the discussion of how the Confessing Church (which was the only religious body who stood against Hitler and his henchmen) started and operated. For philosophers and humanists, this movie is an excellent discussion on the topics of "ethics" (also a book Bonhoeffer titled). Equally important is the discussion of how this man's faith in a supreme being (the God of the Bible) helped him to make decisions that others would not have made.

In the end, his legacy was even noted by the SS camp doctor who noted his faith and his certainty that God had heard him, after Dietrich prayed fervently to God kneeling on the floor of his cell and than another prayer before he bravely and composedly climbed the steps of the gallows ("Hanged on the Twisted Cross" film by T.D. Mohan)

He said, "This is the end. For me ... the beginning of life!"

And what a 'life' that was ... and is.

I enjoyed this DVD from start to finish. It was moving, yet not over-sensationalised. A great primer before sinking your teeth into some of Bonhoeffer's books: Discipleship, Letters & Papers from Prison and Life Together possibly being the most accessible.

A great timeline of Bonhoeffer's life.

In addition to this I'd recommend the issue of Christian History magazine devoted to Bonhoeffer. There's also another good film called Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace (although I personally preferred the film under discussion).

5 stars without hesitation.

"Sometimes God grabs you by the scruff of the neck" which is how Bishop Tutu described Bonhoeffer's behaviors in this documentary. He gave his life so a people would have a moral basis for which to carve a future. I was reminded of the memoir/plaque that was created in honor of the July 20th conspirators: "Died for Germany." It was certainly true in his case. This documentary is well made but does not tell one much about the conspiracy against Hitler, so it may be confusing for those without a firm background in the period. I was fairly touched by the way in which Bonhoeffer had opportunity after opportunity to be escape but consistently remained where he was needed; The Third Reich, a hell on earth. Bonhoeffer is definitely worth your time.

I knew next to nothing about Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life except that he was executed for involvement in a plot against Hitler. This film will fill in many of the gaps about Bonhoeffer's life, friends and mission.

Bonhoffer was one of a minority of German theologians who opposed Hitler's rise to power. Other churchmen retreated into conformity, cut their own deals with Hitler or were active in The Reich Church. There's nothing like a Christmas tree topped with a lighted swastika to drive home the reality of how far the Church would bend to accommodate the Nazis. This image, along with those of Hitler at rallies and posing with church leaders, are appalling but instructive

Director Martin Doblmeier interviewed Bonhoeffer's students, friends and relatives to make this moving film. The film takes us from Germany to Harlem, New York, where Bonhoeffer was bowled over by the ecstatic worship of black Americans. He later tied their religious spirit, nurtured in oppression, with that of the Jews of Germany. The film also tries to depict Bonhoeffer's struggle with the use of violence in the cause of good. Whether he made the right choice under his circumstances is a question that each must answer for themselves.

The film was shot on location in Germany, including the cell in which Bonhoeffer spent his final days. The extras include an interview with Doblmeier, who explains that his mission was not just to make a film, but to capture for posterity the memories of the living members of the Bonhoeffer circle.

Deeply affecting and challenging, especially to strict pacifists and to those who equate the gospel with their brand of nationalism.

Notable for its presentation, interview "gets" and unique archival footage, BONHOEFFER: PASTOR, PACIFIST, NAZI RESISTOR is a powerful, concisely comprehensive look at Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life as a theologian, pastor, and ultimately double-agent who actively resisted Hitler, in contrast to most of Germany's church who were either indifferent or in active support of the Nazis, as seen in film photos of pastors giving the Nazi salute and enormous swastikas over church marriage ceremonies. PhD at 24, hanged at 39, Bonhoeffer's example and writings live on, thanks to the efforts of his student and best friend Eberhard Bethge, whose last interview is included in this documentary. Also interviewed are Bonhoefer's niece, his nephew (whose own father was executed for the conspiracy), other former students, the sister of his fiance Maria, Desmond Tutu, and various theologians and historians.

Of the films on Bonhoeffer, this is the one to watch first since it manages to fit both in and together so many pieces of Bonhoeffer's full life--vibrant worship at a Harlem church, influence of Niebuhr, early radio criticism of Hitler, shame and torment over not speaking at the funeral of his sister's Jewish father-in-law, writings on topics such as the relationship of church and state, setting aside a trip to visit Gandhi in order to start an illegal seminary, and becoming a spy ostensibly travelling to gather info for the Nazis but in reality trying to garner support from the worldwide church and the allies. The movie is filled with excerpts from Bonhoeffer's timeless writings, with samples being included in the DVD special features. And beyond Bonhoeffer, the movie draws attention to the German context, particularly the failure of the church, both the church that alligned with Hitler as well as the Confessing Church that broke off but was largely silent. The overall film emphasis, though, is on Bonhoeffer's belief of the necessity of active faith, responding to the will of God.

(There is one DVD negative, an accompanying movie trailer: Power and Terror: Noam Chomsky In Our Time. Chomsky's life and teaching are antithetical to what Bonhoeffer stood for and including this trailer disgusts me as it totally turns Bonhoeffer's message of the church suffering with the oppressed on its head. In the name of peace, Chomsky instead aids enemies of peace through his antiIsrael words and activities, such as meeting with the terrorist group Hizbullah. Bonhoeffer specifically saw the Jewish of his time as oppressed, even drawing parallels of their oppression with the black Americans he encountered in Harlem. Bonhoeffer, based on his reliance upon scripture and keen discernment, would see that despite today's propaganda, it is tiny Israel who is oppressed and in need of church support as she is surrounded by enormous Arab and Muslim populations to destroy her.)

This is recommended viewing for all, particularly in our time when many want to rewrite history to villanize Christians. 'Bonhoeffer' tells the story of the Church Struggle (Kirchenkampf) through the lens of this one man and does a reasonably good job of it. But, I think some preparation is necessary if one is to view this film.

The viewer should do some prior reading on Hitler's puppet church, the German Christians (Deutsche Christen); on the Confessing Church (Bekennende Kirche); on the hateful tract Luther wrote against the Jews late in his life; and on how Hitler wanted to invoke churchly things to bring about his own paganized form of Nazi Christianity. I suggest this because I can compare the impressions I gained from my first viewing of the film on PBS with my impressions after watching the film again on DVD. It is the same film, but after the first viewing I came away with the impression Luther was a terrible anit-Semite and the churches did little or nothing to oppose Hitler's injustices because they actively supported him. After watching it a second time I saw that it really is more faithful to the actual record of history, but too often important events get only one or two quick mentions. The viewer needs to be well-read in the role of the church during the period, or he gets a skewed impression. For example, a guest commentator does make the point Luther's unkind remarks against the Jews had been preceded years earlier by a very warm and kindly tract on the Jews that was very favorably received by them. His later antipathy was not racial, but theological and seems to have come from an expected conversion of Jews to Chirst that never happened. At times the film does not clearly enough distinguish when 'church' refers to Hitler's puppet church and when it refers to those who continued to follow Christ rather than Hitler. The film mentions all of the right things, but the viewer could easily miss their import and relation to other things.

The film also makes the point that the Confessing Church said nothing after The Night of Broken Glass. I have read about one pastor who did protest from his pulpit a few days later. The Gestapo came quickly, dragged him into a public street, and beat him severely as a warning to all others who would criticize the Regime. The Roman Catholic Church protested The Night of Broken Glass and the Nazis increased their torture of Jews just to teach the Catholic hierarchy a lesson not to interfere. It would have been good for this film to have noted some of these things for a more balanced view.

Certainly time in any film limits the scope of what can be covered. Some of my concerns above could have been eased if the film had been able to give attention to resistance movements against Hitler that were due to individual Christians acting out of their own involvment in their churches long after the church heirarchies had been neutralized by Hitler's cunning and police state tactics. Examples of this are the Scholls and their effort called The White Rose, the fact all 167 conspirators arrested and executed after the von Stauffenberg attempt on Hitler's life said they acted out of the training and influence they had received through their churches, Bishop von Galen's single-handed protests against the euthanasia program that led to its cancellation, or the torture of priests resulting when the papal encyclical "With Burning Concern" was read in the Roman Catholic churches.