by Ruth Storkel.
Bonhoeffer, or Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin., is a newly released historical drama film about Dietrick Bonheoffer, a German pastor and theologian who acted with extraordinary courage as he stood up to the Nazis during the Third Reich.
Filmmaker Komarnicki says: “Bonhoeffer is unlike who we are today. His singular courage, his willingness to lose everything (and he had a lot to lose), really stands out at a time when I don’t see a lot of political courage now. The way he grappled with his faith…..in the way that he followed his calling from God, all the way to the foot of the cross. This man’s life is so extraordinary.”
One reviewer noted that while people of “Christian faith will appreciate his coming of age spiritually… those of other or no religious persuasion will not be bored or made uncomfortable by it; it is adequately–and even beautifully presented–without being preachy.”
The film contains many profound quotes which speak deeply to the viewer. Throughout the movie, we see Bonhoeffer’s courage developing as he becomes convinced that he must speak out in the face of evil. “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”
Bonhoeffer is a true story about a real man of God, a true believer in Jesus Christ, who lived out his faith and spoke, out of his faith, for the Jews in Nazi Germany. This movie is a powerful film, “a magnificent mainstream film where God is at the center,” said another critic.
Produced by filmmaker Todd Komarnicki (director of Sully, etc.), the movie was filmed principally in Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary counties of Ireland and at St. Fin Barrer’s Cathedral in Cork. Other locations include Brussels, Liege, and Spa, Belgium.
The film has a notable cast, including Jonas Dassler, August Diehl, and Moritz Breibtreu.
Well-known author Eric Metaxas has written a very detailed, in-depth book on Bonhoeffer (published in 2010, selling over a million copies and printed in 20 languages.) He felt divinely directed to write a scholarly book on Bonhoeffer (his mother lived in Nazi Germany, and his grandfather was killed in the war.) He says, “The story of Bonhoeffer is for the American church now.” His book inspired people to make a film (although the movie was not based on his book.)
Mr. Metaxas spent several years carefully researching and reading Bonhoeffer’s journals and letters to his family and friends; these writings revealed his deep faith in Christ and his obedience to scripture. Metaxas says, “Bonhoeffer was a profound man of Christian faith. Liberals have painted a false picture of Bonhoeffer, but this film is not distorted; it does not present a false Bonhoeffer.” “This is a magnificent film….. a big film with a big budget where God is at the center,” said Metaxas.
This top-quality film by Angel Studios runs 2 hours and 12 minutes, and it captivates the viewer’s interest from start to finish.
I believe Bonhoeffer is one of the outstanding films of 2024, one you will enjoy.
The movie Bonhoeffer is currently being shown in local movie theaters and is now playing at:
- Regal Theater, The Landing, Renton
- AMC Theater, Southcenter 16
- AMC Theater, Kent Station 14
- Cinemark Century, Federal Way
- Cinemark Lincoln Square, Bellevue
Tickets may be purchased online.
