Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.
November, 4th, 2024
MOVIE: BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPY. ASSASSIN.
STARRING: JONAS DASSLER, AUGUST DIEHL, DAVID JOHNSON, FLULA BORG
DIRECTED BY: TODD KOMARNICKI
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 2 STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: PG-13
RUN TIME: 132 MINUTES
There’s no shortage of WWII stories in cinema—whether they focus on the men and women who fought on the front lines, the terror of Hitler, the genocide of the Jewish people, or the political maneuvering behind the scenes. From Schindler’s List to The Zone of Interest and many others in between, these narratives serve as stark reminders of war’s horrors and the deep human cost. Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. adds to this legacy, telling the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Jonas Dassler), a pastor who risked his life to save Jews from genocide. While this is undoubtedly a courageous and commendable story, the film ultimately feels more like an obligation to history than a truly inspiring cinematic experience.
Written and directed by Todd Komarnicki, the film traces Bonhoeffer’s journey from his early childhood, shaped by the loss of his brother in World War I, to his decision to become a pastor and his later resistance to the Nazi regime. In his college years, Dietrich attends a theological seminary in New York, where he befriends Frank (David Johnson), a Black student who introduces him to jazz music and exposes him to the harsh realities of racial persecution. Though their friendship is brief, it catalyzes Bonhoeffer’s growing understanding of injustice—both in the treatment of Black Americans and, eventually, Jews in Nazi Germany. This segment of the film is a noble attempt to broaden Bonhoeffer’s perspective, but it feels underdeveloped, and the narrative struggles to build momentum from there.
From a structural standpoint, Bonhoeffer falters in its pacing. The film frequently jumps between two timelines: the final days of Bonhoeffer’s captivity and his earlier efforts to oppose the Nazi regime and the German church’s collaboration with Hitler. This back-and-forth approach, while perhaps trying to build tension, ultimately detracts from the narrative’s emotional impact. Instead of allowing the audience to engage deeply with Bonhoeffer’s internal conflict and the human cost of his resistance, the screenplay becomes repetitive and lacks focus. While it’s clear the film is eager to highlight Bonhoeffer’s heroism, it too often falls into the trap of reiterating how great he was, which becomes tiresome. By the time the credits roll, the viewer feels as though they’ve been beaten over the head with his virtues—something the title itself already makes apparent.
On top of its structural missteps, Bonhoeffer is visually drab, with an over-reliance on a palette of grays, ash tones, and muted colors that further deepen the film’s somber atmosphere. While these choices might be seen as reflective of the bleak historical period, they also make the viewing experience feel relentlessly gloomy, without offering much contrast or relief.
Dassler’s performance as Bonhoeffer is solid, and he does his best to carry the film to its conclusion. He brings a quiet strength to the role, but even his dedication can’t elevate the lackluster script. The Spy and Assassin elements of the title are also disappointing; while Bonhoeffer’s involvement in the plot to assassinate Hitler is central to his story, the film only briefly touches on it, leaving the viewer wanting more. This underdeveloped aspect is emblematic of the film’s broader failure to capitalize on the dramatic potential of Bonhoeffer’s life.
In the end, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. is a film that tries to do justice to a remarkable man but falls short in its execution. The credits, which feature Bonhoeffer’s own words and teachings, are undoubtedly inspiring, and his story is one of courage and conviction. However, as a film, it feels more like a history lesson than an engaging drama. While Bonhoeffer undoubtedly deserves to be remembered, this film doesn’t do his legacy justice. Sometimes, it might be better to read about such heroes in a history book rather than sit through a film that misses the mark.
2 STARS
BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPY. ASSASSIN. WILL BE IN SELECT THEATERS FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22ND, 2024.
Written by: Leo Brady
