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Product Description
A powerful war story set in WWII when innocence was lost forever. A young man is sent to serve on the frontline in one of the most ferocious battles of WWII where only 50 per cent of the men returned alive.
Winner of 4 film festival awards (Best Film, Best Actor x2, Best International Film)
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: German ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), English ( Subtitles ), WIDESCREEN (1.85:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Anamorphic Widescreen, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: This spectacular, award-winning drama, Before The Fall, is a breathtaking portrait of the courageous young men who were ripped from their innocence and thrown into the explosive chaos of World War Two. In the summer of 1942, as the brutal Nazi regime extended its reach throughout Europe, an idealistic sixteen-year-old defies his father and leaves home to join the fight for his country. There, in a disconcerting world dominated by intense combat and harsh discipline, he experiences unexpected camaraderie. However, a barbarous raid against escaped prisoners of war forces him to make an important decision that will mark the end of his youth and open his eyes to the harsh reality of war that sacrificed a generation. ...Before the Fall (2004) ( Napola - Elite für den Führer ) ( Napola: Hitler's Elite )
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
114 of 116 people found the following review helpful
By Mulwharchar
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
Reading the other reviews you will have twigged that this is the German film 'Napola', which I agree is excellent and which I already own. However I must deplore the DVD cover's complete misrepresentation of the film: this is not about 'a young man sent to serve on the frontline in one of the most ferocious battles of WWII' it's about two pupils in a Nazi boarding school (Napola = national political academy), there are no fleets of planes and it's about Germans, for chrissakes - there are no British or Americans to be seen. There's been a marked tendency recently for cynical distributors to re-title and package intelligent war films as mindless 'blood & guts' action films, and Amazon just cravenly reproduces their blurb. It does a real disservice to the films and completely misleads customers: as a consumer I deeply resent it.
28 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Rivetting, thought-provoking, this film explores the nascent awareness of two friends in a Nazi elite school, being groomed for the SS. Through the events they live through and the sadism of the institution they begin to realise that the system they're a part od is inherently evil. Brilliant performances by Max Riemholt and Schilling as Friedrich and Albrecht. Very moving, emotionally intense, this film aka as "Napola" avoids the flaws of many German films. It is technically sophisticated and the story line doesn;t dwell on the obvious and things are understated and therefore all the more powerful. Do see.
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By NotJustACook
Format:DVD
This is a well made, human drama based upon the themes of the juxtaposition of childhood expectations against the reality of Nazism. It is well acted, well scripted and well shot. BUT...do NOT expect any of the following things shows on the front cover; (1) planes, (2) British soldiers (3) American soldiers. Or any of the misleading possibilities of battlefield action...this is a human drama, not a war film in the traditional sense. Buy it expecting that and you won't be disappointed. Buy it as I did expecting some well made battlefield action, and you will.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
But for the somewhat misleading cover-art (it also appears on the menu background), this is an excellent production.
The movie deals with the trials and tribulations of a young German boy/man who is invited to attend the local Napola (National (Nazi) Political Institute of Education)
The movie held my attention all the way and was very "authentic" in feel!
It clearly demonstrated the mental and physical toughness that was expected of young German men of the Nazi era - where the strong survive and the weak must perish.
Anyone interested in WWII, and the Nazis in particular, would enjoy this movie!
The movie deals with the trials and tribulations of a young German boy/man who is invited to attend the local Napola (National (Nazi) Political Institute of Education)
The movie held my attention all the way and was very "authentic" in feel!
It clearly demonstrated the mental and physical toughness that was expected of young German men of the Nazi era - where the strong survive and the weak must perish.
Anyone interested in WWII, and the Nazis in particular, would enjoy this movie!
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Roger Clark
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a superb film - wonderful performances from the whole cast, especially Max Riemelt and Tom Schilling. Script, direction, lighting, camera-work, editing, sound effects and music are great. It's a spellbinding film of extraordinary emotional power and haunting in its beauty.
One of the things this film shows is why Nazism was so attractive to many young Germans. The Nazis knew how to target young people and play on youthful idealism. They used this idealism as a cover for their murderous agenda. They not only coerced people; they seduced them. The Director, Dennis Gansell, shows this seduction at work. He also comes at the Nazis from new angles and provides valuable insights into the German mind. It's interesting to compare his film with a TV documentary series on Nazi education on YouTube. It's called 'Hitler's Children.' Episode 2 - Education - deals with Napolas. It contains archive film from the 1930s and '40s and interviews with former cadets. There's also an excellent book called '"Hitler's Children" based on the TV series.
There are various DVD editions of Dennis Gansel's movie Napola - some with no features, others with interviews and documentaries. The American edition - this one called "Before the Fall" - contains an excellent 40-minute documentary about the making of the movie, plus a quirky 8-minute feature, the best trailer and some deleted scenes. But the US DVD lacks interviews with the cast that appear in the German edition. Also the US movie is cut down from the original format and the picture quality is less good than the German version. Shadows are blocked up and colours less vibrant, although it looks reasonable on DVD.... Read more ›
One of the things this film shows is why Nazism was so attractive to many young Germans. The Nazis knew how to target young people and play on youthful idealism. They used this idealism as a cover for their murderous agenda. They not only coerced people; they seduced them. The Director, Dennis Gansell, shows this seduction at work. He also comes at the Nazis from new angles and provides valuable insights into the German mind. It's interesting to compare his film with a TV documentary series on Nazi education on YouTube. It's called 'Hitler's Children.' Episode 2 - Education - deals with Napolas. It contains archive film from the 1930s and '40s and interviews with former cadets. There's also an excellent book called '"Hitler's Children" based on the TV series.
There are various DVD editions of Dennis Gansel's movie Napola - some with no features, others with interviews and documentaries. The American edition - this one called "Before the Fall" - contains an excellent 40-minute documentary about the making of the movie, plus a quirky 8-minute feature, the best trailer and some deleted scenes. But the US DVD lacks interviews with the cast that appear in the German edition. Also the US movie is cut down from the original format and the picture quality is less good than the German version. Shadows are blocked up and colours less vibrant, although it looks reasonable on DVD.... Read more ›
16 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Shame on Amazon for allowing this unfortunate and misleading re-branding of the excellent German film "Napola". The film description given here has little to do with the story line of the film. One suggests that this sort of deception for commercial gain, should not be rewarded. Buy it under the title "Napola"
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By David
Format:DVD
I agree with the other high-star reviews and add this only to emphasise: this film and "Napola" or one and the same. I own the dvd under the previous name and was recommended to "After the Fall" by Amazon because I had previously purchased "Napola". I got so far as to order it as the cover art and blurb make it appear like a different film. As good as it is I don't want two versions.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By jimmcn1
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I won't waste time reviewing the film itself other than to state that this is a re-titled re-release of the outstanding movie "NAPOLA".
The movie itself is a fantastic piece of film making with excellent performances and terrific period detail. This re-released DVD however is nothing more than an insult not only to consumers but more importantly to the film makers responsible for the original release.
For some unknown reason Metrodome Distribution have re-titled this product and re-designed the packaging of the Dvd, however the biggest insult comes in two further alterations.
"NAPOLA" (the original release of this movie) was filmed and released in a 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen format. Despite being listed on the current "Before The Fall" packaging as a 1.85:1 anamorphic presentation, this re-release is actually a poorly altered PAN & SCAN version when compared to the original widescreen Dvd. This is evident when viewing the movie, even to those who have not seen the original, as parts of the full image are very clearly cut at the sides of the frame.
In addition to the altered picture format, this re-release also suffers from re-edited subtitles when compared with the "NAPOLA" release. Whilst the general meaning is similar the accompanying subtitles are not a direct translation of the actors dialogue. Why these alterations have been made is beyond comprehension as the original of this movie was, and still is an example of outstanding movie making, the kind that can't be found in the standard run of the mill hollywood releases.
In short, if you have a genuine interest in WW2 subject matter you will undoubtedly find this film a worthy addition to your collection.... Read more ›
The movie itself is a fantastic piece of film making with excellent performances and terrific period detail. This re-released DVD however is nothing more than an insult not only to consumers but more importantly to the film makers responsible for the original release.
For some unknown reason Metrodome Distribution have re-titled this product and re-designed the packaging of the Dvd, however the biggest insult comes in two further alterations.
"NAPOLA" (the original release of this movie) was filmed and released in a 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen format. Despite being listed on the current "Before The Fall" packaging as a 1.85:1 anamorphic presentation, this re-release is actually a poorly altered PAN & SCAN version when compared to the original widescreen Dvd. This is evident when viewing the movie, even to those who have not seen the original, as parts of the full image are very clearly cut at the sides of the frame.
In addition to the altered picture format, this re-release also suffers from re-edited subtitles when compared with the "NAPOLA" release. Whilst the general meaning is similar the accompanying subtitles are not a direct translation of the actors dialogue. Why these alterations have been made is beyond comprehension as the original of this movie was, and still is an example of outstanding movie making, the kind that can't be found in the standard run of the mill hollywood releases.
In short, if you have a genuine interest in WW2 subject matter you will undoubtedly find this film a worthy addition to your collection.... Read more ›
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
You will not regret buying it.
You will not regret buying it.
A great dvd. To watch over and over again.
Although Amazon does not specify it, the subtitles are removable.
A great dvd. To watch over and over again.
Although Amazon does not specify it, the subtitles are removable.
Published 2 months ago by MV
5.0 out of 5 stars
good film
This shows the German side of the second world war. Portrays a youth that is typical arian and is spotted while boxing to attend the Nazi academy. Read more
Published 3 months ago by dawn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good drama
A very well written story, with a universal message, that could have taken place anywhere. But actually, what made it more interesting to me was the fact that it was in a Nazi... Read more
Published 3 months ago by digitaldigest
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't judge a dvd by it's cover
I enjoyed this well acted, well made film with it's slightly predictable storyline. I could'nt care less about repackaging, there is only the misleading front cover to moan about,... Read more
Published 4 months ago by B. L. Rudd
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great film
If you don't mind the subtitles this is a great film to watch. A very poignant story. I'd thoroughly recommend it.
Published 4 months ago by Paulkaty
5.0 out of 5 stars
simply brilliant
id heard this was very good and i wasnt dissapointed a very thoughtful film great acting and a stark truth about nazi training camps
Published 5 months ago by crewestew
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Full metaljacket 1st half at boot camp with nazis
The cover picture advertising marketing all wrong There are no US or British soldiers fighter planes ???? in the whole movie remember the innocence? Read more
Published 5 months ago by K. Archer
3.0 out of 5 stars
Shameful packagaing
Really enjoyed the film, although other potential buyers should beware the entire front cover is completely misleading, as is the blurb on the back. Read more
Published 7 months ago by zubedaky
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pride comes before the fall
"Before the Fall" (German Film called "Napola") DVD NAPOLA is really about two young students from opposite sides of the fence, finding themselves and each other whilst schooled in... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Kurt Clare
5.0 out of 5 stars
Where is the blu ray version?
Outstanding story, production values, acting. A truly captivating tale of the decision people make when faced with embracing evil or being strong enough to just say no yet have... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Avid sci fi bookreader
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