Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident who even in death created controversy. The film about him, Bonhoeffer will carry on with that tradition and split audiences with its content and dramatic structure. He was one of the few men of the cloth during World War II who actively spoke out against Hitler and his persecution of the Jews and paid the ultimate price for it.
Born into a well-off and large family in Germany (in a city now part of Poland), his father Karl, was a psychiatrist and neurologist and his mother Paula was a teacher. Dietrich was a very intelligent child and ultimately became a theologian. Not all the members of his family agreed with his decision. At 21 years old he completed his Doctorate of Theology from Humboldt University in Berlin.
As played by German actor Jonas Dassler, he is presented as the perfect example of Aryan ideals with his blond hair and blue eyes (the real Bonhoeffer possessed these traits as well). Still, the film’s bleached blonde version of his look is distracting. The pacifism is well represented here but his transition into becoming an activist is muddled. This isn’t helped by the film’s nonlinear nature and the confusion caused by mentally putting the time line in order.
Historians with a knowledge of his life will need to adjust to accommodate the artistic licence taken in presenting his life story. There are several stand-out moments that you hope are true to life such as his introduction to American Jazz in New York City where he joyously gets up on stage and jams with the band. Other scenes highlight the horror of being held captive by the Nazis. The strength of his character is underlined quite effectively although some of his actual accomplishments receive little mention. It’s a flawed representation but still a fascinating one nonetheless.
Rob Hudson
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