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Poster for Before the Fall

Before the Fall

Seen it?

2004 | 117 min | Drama

Weeknight Watch

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With a box office loss and little lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Schindler's List or Nuremberg, start here.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 57 min.
What might put you off
It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).

In 1942, Friedrich Weimer's boxing skills get him an appointment to a National Political Academy (NaPolA) – high schools that produce Nazi elite. Over his father's objections, Friedrich enrolls. During his year in seventh column, Friedrich encounters hazing, cruelty, death, and the Nazi code. His friendship with Albrecht, the ascetic son of the area's governor, is central to this education.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    67% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.1 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $4 million worldwide on a $5 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 38K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Dennis Gansel

  • Max RiemeltFriedrich Weimer
  • Tom SchillingAlbrecht Stein
  • Devid StriesowHeinrich Vogler
  • Joachim BißmeierKarl Klein
  • Justus von DohnányiHeinrich Stein
  • Michael SchenkJosef Peiner
  • Florian StetterJustus von Jaucher
  • Alexander HeldFriedrich's Father
  • Sissy HöffererFriedrich's Mother
  • Jonas JägermeyrChristoph Schneider