Starring: Jonas Dassler, August Diehl, David Jonsson, Moritz Bleibtreu, Vincent Franklin, Clarke Peters
Distributor: Rialto Distribution
Runtime: 133 mins. Reviewed in Mar 2025
Reviewer: Fr Peter Malone msc
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As the world teeters on the brink of annihilation, Dietrich Bonhoeffer joins a deadly plot to assassinate Hitler, risking his faith and fate to save millions of Jews from genocide.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer is considered one of the great Christian figures of the first half of the 20th century for his stance against Nazi fascism, which ultimately led to his death. The title of his most famous book, The Cost of Discipleship with its distinction between cheap grace and costly grace, has been powerfully influential on the nature and living Christian discipleship.
The subtitle on the advertising and promotion is not in the film itself. But, there are three tantalising words: pastor, spy and assassin to evoke curiosity.
Bonhoeffer is sponsored by Angel Studios, the American Christian production company, responsible recently for Sound of Freedom and Cabrini. Filmed in Ireland and Belgium, the principal members of its cast are German. Dassler is effective as Bonhoeffer (with quite some resemblance in features). Veteran Bleibtreu is Bonhoeffer’s father and Diehl is a minister who defies the Nazis and goes to prison.
This is a portrait of Bonhoeffer, not a full biography, but highlights key issues in his life. In fact, there are quite a number of other films about Bonhoeffer, some biographies and in 2025, another cinema portrait, Holy Traitor.
There is a complex structure for the screenplay. There are initial sequences of the family in 1914, the experience of World War I, an introduction to the lively young boy, Dietrich, the strong influence of his supportive parents and siblings. But, then there is a transition to 1945, Bonhoeffer imprisoned, memories of his past, his impending execution. Which means then that the flashbacks are always seen in the light of his ultimate fate and faith.
Commentators have pointed out that there are many aspects of Bonhoeffer’s life that are not included, years of serious academic study in Germany, an engagement with a young friend and her visiting him in prison, the writing of his books. And, some changes in factual aspects, especially the location of his death.
However, the flashbacks build a portrait of an earnest young pastor, studying in New York, bored with the formal studies, a black friend, Frank, opening his sensibility towards jazz and introducing him to the spirituals, discussions with the black Baptist leaders who challenge him to his understanding of lived faith, authentic religion, and an experience of violent racism at a hotel in Washington DC.
On his return to Germany, his family fill him in on what is happening, the rise of Hitler, targeting the Jews. Bonhoeffer is at first in disbelief, then taking strong stances, listening to a firebrand Protestant pastor lauding Hitler and Nazism, challenging his friends, preaching and the military walking out despite applause from the congregation.
Over the years, Bonhoeffer writes, teaches in a seminary which is closed down and the students enlisted to fight, visits England and appeal to British clergy. He is being invited to participate in a plot to assassinate Hitler and goes to the Swiss border for an exchange of Jewish prisoners.
Bonhoeffer was arrested along with his brother-in-law, jailed for a year and a half, the film showing the almost liberation of the prison. Before his death, Bonhoeffer solemnly celebrates the Eucharist and Communion ritual, symbolic of his readiness to die.
This film is an opportunity to see him, admire him, reflect on his moral choices, reflect on his faith, costly grace and the final cost of his discipleship.
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