Summaries

Dramatic documentary about the young German pacifist and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer who resisted the Nazi regime and was hanged two weeks before World War II was over.

Portrait of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who was imprisoned and killed by the Nazis for plotting to assassinate Hitler, conveys the essence of a man and his world. Bonhoeffer's life is lyrically presented, with his friends and family shedding light on his breakaway seminary, his travels to America and Harlem, his calls to change the world for better, and his noble attempts to respond to Nazi Germany as a Christian.—Full Frame Documentary Film Festival

A chronicle which charts the dramatic life story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a young German theologian who offered one of the first clear voices of resistance to Adolf Hitler. Bonhoeffer openly challenged his Church to stand with the Jews in their time of need, and eventually joined his family in the plots to kill Hitler. His three books, Cost of Discipleship, Letters and Papers from Prison, and Ethics, were all written during the struggle, and are considered classics in the world of religion and ethics. The film, shot on location in Germany and the United States, features interviews with family members, friends, students and associates who knew Bonhoeffer personally--including, the last interview given by Bonhoeffer's closest friend and biographer, Eberhard Bethge. As well, there is an interview with Ruth Alice von Bismarck, the sister of Bonhoeffer's fiancée, Maria von Wedemeyer.—Sujit R. Varma

Details

Keywords
  • religion
  • pacifism
  • theology
  • nazi resistance
  • liberation theology
Genres
  • History
  • War
  • Biography
  • Documentary
Release date Mar 31, 2003
Motion Picture Rating (MPA) TV-14
Countries of origin United States
Language English German
Production companies Journey Films

Box office

Gross US & Canada $296181
Opening weekend US & Canada $10099
Gross worldwide $296181

Tech specs

Runtime 1h 33m
Color Color Black and White
Sound mix Stereo
Aspect ratio 1.85 : 1

Synopsis

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