Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Before the Fall (2005) NR - 3½ Stars

My favorite movies are those based on true events and here is another from my list. In German with subtitles, it takes a scary look as we watch an elite school train boys to become Nazi soldier - The Nazi National Political School (a.k.a. Napola). The story takes place in Berlin 1942

Friedrich Weimer (Max Riemelt) is a young boy of 16, who loves to box. While working out at a gym one day, he meets Heinrich Vogler (Devid Striesow) who is looking for new victims for his Napola academy. Fredrich's wants more than anything to box and even though his family does not approve, he goes anyway claiming a better life for himself as a disciplined boxer.

At the school, Friedrich meets Albrecht Stein (Tom Schilling) a quieter boy, who loves to write. His father is a high up in the German military but Albrecht is more of a thinker and doesn't see things the same way as the rest of the boys in the school. As a matter of fact, he's not really into have this Nazism crammed down his throat.

One night the students are forced to take part in the brutal killing of unarmed Russian youths. Albrecht is so upset he writes an essay condemning the massacre. When his father makes Albrecht take back his words, Friedrich sees what's really go on at this school but can he get out before it's too late?

Picture This Entertainment
Director: Dennis Gansel
Writers: Maggie Peren, Dennis Gansel
Producers: Viola Jaeger, Molly von Fuerstenberg, Harry Kuegler
I viewed 8/06

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