1. Der Untergang (Downfall)
Year 2004,
Director Oliver Hirschbiegel,
Starring Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Ulrich Mottes, Corinna Harfouch, Juliane Kohler, Thomas Kretschmann An Oscar nominee in the category of Best Foreign Language Film, Downfall showcases the final days of the Third Reich of Nazi Germany in Berlin, and attracted its fair share of controversy upon release for its portrayal of Adolf Hitler in a somewhat humanising light. Central to the story is Alexandra Maria Laras Traudl Humps, a secretary to the dictator who bears witness to the increasingly futile German last stand as the Soviets assault Berlin, as well as her employers ever-growing delusion to reality as he refuses to accept defeat, condemning the German people to be massacred in the street as his once loyal inner circle rapidly diminishes through discontent. Bruno Ganzs portrayal of the man is worryingly authentic, and serves as an excellent display of method acting throughout this three hour epic, chillingly showcasing the conclusion of Germanys darkest period of history.