Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace

This film was made by a small production company and most of the actors are unfamiliar. However, in spite of this, the film is a well-made drama about an amazing man of faith, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was a German Lutheran minister who managed to make a nuisance of himself--and as a result he spent the last part of WWII in prison awaiting execution.

Overall, this is a very good film and was a treat as a historical and religious film--though its Biblical message is not even close to heavy-handed or preachy (so anyone can enjoy it and its message). The acting, sets and direction were also quite good. My only reservation concerns the tempo of the film--it is very, very slow-paced and low-key. Some might be put off by this, but if you can get through this you'll likely enjoy learning about this interesting man. Not great, but very good--especially with such a small budget.

By the way, I did a tiny bit of research about this man and was surprised to see that the actor playing him actually looked very, very much like Bonhoeffer.

This is a good film, and certainly relevant as the church struggles to find its place and vocation in the world today. It is a humble picture that gets by on the strength of its (true) story, and indeed, the incredible witness of Bonhoeffer himself. Both Bonhoeffer enthusiasts and those unfamiliar with his life and works will find this film interesting. It succeeds (as much as a 90-minute film can) in showing how Bonhoeffer wrestled with, and was challenged by, the events of his day. Most Christians (forgive the stereotyping, but I am one, so give me some slack) tend to judge the world as a young creation gone wrong, whereas Dietrich Bonhoeffer viewed the middle of the 20th century on its own terms -- as a world come of age, and acted accordingly.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer is one of my favorite "faith heroes". A friend introduced me to his "Cost of discipleship" when I was at college and I was delighted to read, some years later, his "Letters from prison". Dietrich Bonhoeffer was, indeed, a true Christian and a man to admire. So when I learned that "Agent of Grace" was being released, I was immediately caught up. I saw the film some days ago but, sadly, it did not meet my expectations. I found the film rather boring and confusing: from start to end the emotional level is a flat line, no important ups and downs, no emotions spoken out (the scriptwriters apparently forgot the richness and profoundness of "Letters from prison"). The historical backdrop (WW2, Nazi's rule and conspiracy against Hitler, etc.) is not clear enough for the average spectator to understand what and why things in the film are going on they way they are. But most of all, the movie fails to show the inner struggle of a young man that has everything to loose but chooses to be faithful to his Lord.

Bonhoeffer was a very well done movie about the legendary Christian leader and minister Deitrich Bonhoeffer. It told his story, warts and all. It showed the philosophical dilemna that a Man of God struggled through and eventually is sacrificed for. It is a insight into a man who wanted to serve God and mankind, the conflicts, the way he touched others lives, then and now through is great writings. I recommend it.

In an age where genuine concern for others seems to be conspicuous by its absence this spare yet profoundly moving film gives us a glimpse of a great spirit. Christian or not, it's essential viewing. Theologian Bonhoeffer was a man for all seasons, following the voice of his conscience to the end. The recent release of this film makes one wonder why it took so long to have Bonhoeffers story retold on the screen. He could have escaped from the Nazis but chose to stay with his people, helping wherever he could. Right through the film we find ourselves asking what we would do in the same situation? This story is rich food for thought and discussion.