Movie Review: ‘BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPY. ASSASSIN’ – A Man of Faith and His Legacy.

Written and directed by Todd Komarnicki, ‘BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPY. ASSASSIN‘ dives into the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident who was instrumental in founding the Confessing Church.

The film ambitiously attempts to piece together the various stages of Bonhoeffer’s life, from his idyllic childhood to his eventual entanglement in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

The story begins with a glimpse of Bonhoeffer’s early years, depicting a promising and seemingly perfect childhood. This serenity is shattered when his older brother, Walter, joins the military in 1914 and tragically loses his life in service. The loss profoundly impacts young Dietrich, setting a tone of grief and introspection that echoes throughout the narrative.  

Fast-forward several years, we see Bonhoeffer as a young Lutheran pastor sent to the Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Over there, he meets a Black American student from the Baptist Church. Fisher introduces him to the soulful world of jazz, the vibrant nightlife, and, most crucially, the harsh realities of racism. A poignant moment occurs during their trip to Washington, where a racist encounter shows  Dietrich the deep societal divides of the time.

Frank suggests that Dietrich rents a room at a hotel and then comes to get him after with the key. When Frank goes to the hotel with the key by himself he is met with hostility. Dietrich tries to intervene but he gets insulted and even assaulted simply because of his association with a person of color.

This scene seems as though it was needed to capture what could be a moment that catalyzes Bonhoeffer’s choice to eventually fight against the systemic oppression of Jews under the Nazi regime.

The narrative gains momentum as Bonhoeffer returns to Germany and begins to actively resist Hitler’s tyranny. His transformation from preacher to activist and ultimately to conspirator against the regime forms the crux of the film.

Jonas Dassler delivers well in the role of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. His performance captures the inner turmoil and resolve of Bonhoeffer. By watching Jonas Dassler, you are convinced that this could be exactly how Bonhoeffer carries himself, almost always wearing a sneaky smirk that seems almost sinister yet charming. And that is sure to leave viewers captivated yet slightly unsettled.

Visually, the film excels in its period details. The art direction, costuming, and set design transport you back in time with meticulous precision. Every frame feels authentic, immersing you in the era and lending credibility to the historical backdrop. However, this visual authenticity isn’t enough to compensate for the film’s structural shortcomings.

At a lengthy 135 minutes, the film can feel laborious to sit through. Its non-linear storytelling, while perhaps an attempt to reflect Bonhoeffer’s multifaceted life, often feels disjointed. Scenes jump between moments of his imprisonment, theological deliberations, and secretive planning with high-ranking officials, leaving the audience to piece together the timeline. This approach muddles the narrative and detracts from the emotional engagement the story might have otherwise achieved.

One of the film’s most significant issues lies in its identity. It’s unclear whether ‘BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPY. ASSASSIN‘ wants to be a faith-based exploration of Bonhoeffer’s beliefs or a historical thriller about his role in resisting the Nazis. This lack of focus diminishes the impact of both aspects, leaving the film feeling like it’s stuck in limbo. For viewers like myself unfamiliar with Bonhoeffer’s teachings and ideals, the film provides a surface-level introduction but does little to delve deeply into what made him such a compelling historical figure.

Even after multiple viewings, the film struggles to rise above being just another WWII story told through a slightly different lens. For a biopic, it doesn’t convincingly establish Bonhoeffer’s legacy or inspire a deeper appreciation for his contributions to theology and resistance. Instead, it leaves you questioning whether he was a pastor, a spy, or an assassin. Something the film introduces but never fully reconciles.  

‘BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPY. ASSASSIN‘ feels like an ambitious yet ultimately uneven attempt to capture the life of a complex man. I will score this film 5/10. While it has its moments of brilliance, particularly in its performances and visual design, it doesn’t quite manage to tie its many threads into a cohesive narrative. Also, it might just not be the film that captures what could be the legacy of a man who deserved a biopic.