Film Muser

Film Muser Rating : 3.5 / 5
Release Date : July 4, 2004
Running Time : 110 minutes
Also Known As : NaPolA
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Before the Fall is set in 1942 Germany at the peak of Hitler’s reign. Friedrich Weimer (Max Riemelt) has just finished high school and is set to work in a Berlin factory with his father. However, during an amateur boxing match, he catches the eye of an instructor at a Nazi National Political Academy, or NaPolA. Friedrich is given an invitation to attend this prestigious institution where future Nazi leaders are groomed. Friedrich is incredibly excited to have the opportunity to receive a top rate education and make a good salary, as opposed to hard labour in the factories. To his dismay, his father wants him to have nothing to do with “those people”, and forbids Friedrich from attending. Despite his fathers objections, Friedrich leaves for the academy.

While at the NaPolA, Friedrich is taught about his German heritage and their arts, combat training, and of course Nazi ideals. As he starts to think more and more like a Nazi, he also finds himself in a close friendship with Albrecht Stein (Tom Schilling), the son of a district Nazi governor. Despite his father’s position, Albrecht harbours anti-Nazi sentiment that opens Friedrich’s eyes to what he is actually becoming part of.

This film shows us how the innocent children can be transformed into people that can perform monstrous acts. We see typical children doing what children do, making it hard to think that they are being transformed into ruthless Nazi leader. The film does a good job of connecting the viewer with Friedrich and Albrecht, and you find yourself wanting them to succeed in the academy. But then you remember what they are actually training for and you find yourself torn, and feeling sympathy for them. But as you become more familiar with Albrecht and his anti-Nazi views, you have something new to hope for. Will Friedrich take heed to what he is saying and rise above the Nazi doctrine?

This movie is filmed beautifully, giving us incredible shots of the German landscape. I especially liked the scenes that were set in Winter, showing large snowflakes floating through the air. Even though the dialogue is in German and it is difficult to gauge, I felt that the acting, mainly by the two leads Max Riemelt and Tom Schilling was superb. I guess that statement can be backed up since both were considered award winning performances.

This is a film that I would definitely recommend since it gives us a look at a part of the Nazi regime that we usually don’t see. People tend to think immediately of the atrocities committed when Nazis are mentioned. This film does a good job of showing us that these people were not born monsters, and were not much different than you and I when we were children. Even though it is predictable at times, and slightly truistic, it does tell a touching story that I found enjoyable.

Memorable Scene
When Friedrich reports to the academy he is put through a physical exam to ensure that he is meant to be there. It was absolutely absurd to see the examiners measuring his head, and recording his eye and hair colour so they could “accurately” give a score to each category. It was comical to see eugenics in actions.

Note : this film is presented in German with English subtitles.