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Catholic Movie Reviews offers Christian movie reviews and news with a Catholic perspective from St. Anthony Messenger magazine, Every Day Catholic and Catholic News Service. |
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![[ Dietrich Bonhoeffer ]](../gfx/Bonhoeffer_Feature.jpg) Martin Doblmeier first heard the name of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a high school religion class in Queens, New York. The brilliant young German theologian was executed in a Nazi prison in 1945 for taking part in a bomb plot against Hitler. First as an impressionable student, then into adulthood, Doblmeier was intrigued by the story of the peacemaker and pacifist who had opposed Hitler from the start and sought to convince Christian churches to resist the rise of Nazism. Back to Life
Now president and founder of Journey Films, Mr.
Doblmeier (pictured at left) is using his finely honed professional
skills to bring to life a man he continues to admire. He recently
completed a 90-minute, feature-length documentary that reveals the
heart and soul of Bonhoeffer and the final tortuous path he took
that brought him to his death at 39. The story is told through archival
and family film footage and photographs as well as interviews with
those who personally knew the Lutheran minister.
"Bonhoeffer was a man who did not rejoice in trying to kill Hitler but, instead, felt the burden of a world looking at him," Doblmeier told CatholicMovieReviews.org. "It was terribly painful for him to participate." Spreading the Word
Unsuccessful in getting his film accepted at the
Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, Doblmeier found success
in showing Bonhoeffer to enthusiastic audiences in church
halls and basements around the country throughout the spring. Spirited
question-and-answer sessions often followed. Word of the film even
reached the White House following an article about it in the Washington
Times. A special assistant to George W. Bush requested a copy for
viewing by the president.
On June 20, Bonhoeffer will be shown in selected theatres, beginning at The Quad in New York, as well as Washington and Chicago. If the early run is successful, the film will be distributed throughout the country. You can find more information at Bonhoeffer.com and in our review. Return to Catholic Movie Reviews Menu |