Die letzte Schlacht

The 13 days from April 20th to May 2nd, 1945, are unique in the history of Germany: They are the final act in the history of the Third Reich, which was supposed to last for a thousand years and succumbed after twelve in an orgy of violence and fire. In the catacombs of his bunker under the Reich Chancellery in the capital city of Berlin, which Adolf Hitler wanted to make the centre of the world, the dictator operates with ghost divisions during the final days of the war. Only in the final moment, he takes his own life. Meanwhile, On the streets, in the ruins, and the basements of the destroyed city, the final battle wages on: Adolescents are sacrificed without purpose, women get raped, loyal party comrades commit suicide in the thousands, Jews who were in hiding for years hope for the liberation.

Directed by Hans-Christoph Blumenberg, Die letzte Schlacht leans on a strong ensemble — Tom Schilling, Anna Maria Mühe, Tim Bergmann — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2005.