Bonhoeffer. Pastor. Spy. Assassin., rated PG-13
** ½
This film tells the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor, and author of influential books such as The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together. Although the title of the film is similar to that of Eric Metaxas’ 2010 book Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. – which I read and enjoyed – the film is not based on the book, and has been criticized by some as being historically inaccurate.
The film was directed and written by Todd Komarnicki (writer of Sully and producer of Elf). In response to criticism, Komarnicki has said that the film is not the “definitive Bonhoeffer”, but rather a portrayal of the man that he himself encountered in Bonhoeffer’s writings, and how it touched him as an artist and as a Christian.
The movie uses a non-linear approach to tell Bonhoeffer’s story, moving back and forth between the formative moments in Bonhoeffer’s life, which can be somewhat confusing. The film is told as a series of flashbacks while Bonhoeffer is in prison.
Bonhoeffer was born in 1906 in Breslau, Germany. The film begins in 1914 showing the relationship between Dietrich and his older brother, Walter, who would be killed in World War I. Shortly after that, Dietrich, played by Jonas Dassler, announces his intention to study theology.
We see Bonhoeffer travel to America to study at the Union Theological Seminary in 1930, where he becomes friends with Frank Fisher, played by David Jonsson (Endeavour), and learns about racism. When he returns to Germany, Bonhoeffer discovers things have changed in his absence. Bonhoeffer becomes increasingly vocal against Hitler’s regime. Fascism is on the rise, and he’s concerned about the compromises he sees the German church making with the Nazis. From the pulpit, we see Bonhoeffer denounce religious leaders who bow down to Hitler. We see him take the lead in forming the Confessing Church, and eventually participating in a plot to assassinate Hitler, a role that the film overemphasizes. Throughout the film, Bonhoeffer is portrayed as a man of deep faith and conviction
The film is well made, and does a good job with sets, costumes, and cinematography to depict the 1930’s and 1940’s. Dassler does a good job in the lead role, as does August Diehl (Inglorious Basterds, A Hidden Life), as Bonhoeffer’s mentor Martin Niemöller. In addition, Lauren Daigle sings “Then I Will” over the closing credits.
The film has come with some controversy, as The International Bonhoeffer Society and several of the cast members have, according to a statement “distanced themselves from possible misuses of the film”. In response, writer and director Komarnicki stated that the film refutes everything that Christian nationalism stands for.
I understand that with biopics, filmmakers often take liberties with the facts of their subject’s life. Given that, I felt that the film, that I had long looked forward to, was a bit of a disappointment. For such an incredible life, the film came off as a bit boring at times, being comprised almost entirely of dialogue. Bonhoeffer deserved better. For those interested in learning more about him, in addition to his writings, I would recommend Metaxas’ biography.
