“Napola – Elite für den Führer” (released as “Before the Fall” in English) is a German war drama film directed by Dennis Gansel. The film is set in 1942 and tells the story of Friedrich Weimer (Max Riemelt), a 16-year-old boy who is admitted to a Napola school, a school that trains its students to become part of Hitler's elite. He is a talented boxer and is recruited for the school based on his potential. However, his idealism soon turns to disillusionment as he experiences the brutal reality of the school and the war.
At the school, Friedrich meets Albrecht Stein (Tom Schilling), the son of a Nazi officer, who becomes his roommate and friend. Albrecht is different from the other students and shows a rebellious attitude towards the regime. Friedrich and Albrecht develop a close bond and plan to escape together, but their plans are discovered and Albrecht is punished severely.
“Napola – Elite für den Führer” portrays the dark side of Nazi Germany and the indoctrination of young men into a system of violence and hate. It also shows the power dynamics within the school, with the officers abusing their authority and the students competing with each other for the approval of their superiors.
“Napola – Elite für den Führer” received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Bavarian Film Award for Best Production and the Best Supporting Actor award at the German Film Awards. It was also nominated for the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. The film was praised for its powerful performances, gripping storytelling, and thought-provoking exploration of the nature of evil and indoctrination.
| Directed by | Dennis Gansel |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Viola JägerHarald KüglerMolly von Fürstenberg |
| Written by | Dennis GanselMaggie Peren |
| Starring | Max Riemelt, Tom Schilling, |
| Music by | Angelo Badalamenti, Normand Corbeil |
| Cinematography | Torsten Breuer |
| Edited by | Jochen Retter |
| Production company |
Seven Pictures |
| Distributed by | Constantin Film |
| Release date | July 4, 2004 (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival) January 13, 2005 (Germany) |
| Running time | 114 minutes |
| Country | Germany |
| Language | German |
| Box office | $3,764,219 |