‘Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin’ Review: A Powerful and Inspiring, If Uneven, Biopic

Director Todd Komarnicki’s account of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is undeniably poignant. Angel Studios continues their habit of releasing films that are primarily centered on historical figures who impacted the Christian community. Komarnicki also produced Elf and is responsible multiple screenplays including Clint Eastwood’s Sully. Bonhoeffer is being billed as a political thriller, but it focuses more on his time as a pastor. In fact, the failed assassination attempt on Hitler only becomes part of the plot in the final act. If anything, it feels almost like an afterthought. There are quite a few emotionally resonant scenes here, including the final hours leading up to his death. Jonas Dassler gives an incredible performance as the titular character. It helps that the actor is German, as are his co-stars Phileas Heyblom (who plays his younger self) and August Diehl as Martin Niemöller.

Niemöller is a pastor who initially preaches the word of Christ from the pulpit. However, during the Nazi occupation, he comes to teach not from the Bible, but Mein Kampf. Bonhoeffer is understandably upset that he would bend to the enemy’s doctrine. Fortunately for Christians seeking the truth, he forms an underground network, where he spreads true religion, not Hitler’s doctrines. This would become known as “The Confessing Church”. In addition, he smuggled Jews back to their home country.

Komarnicki takes several liberties that hurt the pacing of the film. As if that was not enough, we jump around between at least three different timelines, especially in the first act. One shows Bonhoeffer imprisoned, with flashbacks to his time at the seminary, and with friends and family. Early scenes show him with a friend in Harlem, playing in a jazz club, and even being threatened by a racist hotel owner. The problem is that this portion–not to mention others throughout–overstay their welcome. Upon learning about the 20 July assassination plot, the main character renounces his pacifist beliefs that he has held to so steadfastly. This certainly seems a bit contradictory. Still, Bonhoeffer is made a martyr: imprisoned and eventually hanged after being accused of this conspiracy, along with several other men. The penultimate scene shows him reenacting the Passover by breaking bread with his friends. Sequences like this are some of the most inspiring, as was so much of his life and deeds.

Despite its flaws, Komarnicki’s dramatization–one of many silver-screen depictions and documentaries throughout the years–is worth a watch. I believe this will draw the same crowd as previous Angel Studios efforts, and casual moviegoers will be watching either Wicked or Gladiator II. The film’s subject matter is difficult by design, and its sometimes-ponderous pace might deter mature viewers who are interested. But it ultimately offers an unflinching, inspiring, and powerful portrayal of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

132 minutes