Dresden - O Inferno

This film, as you can guess from the title, is about the destruction of Dresden by the RAF (Royal Aircraft), but in reality this is only the background for the love story lived by a British pilot fighter whose plane was shot down and a German nurse in Dresden. Well, a dramatic story all down the line! When I went to the video store I found on the shelf a DVD called "Dresden - O Inferno" (the title in Portuguese) and my curiosity was raised when I discovered that it was a German film. I had no information at all about the director, actors etc, but I took my chances and rented the film. When I arrived home I discovered through IMDb that this was a television film. After this bit of information I was not expecting much of the film in spite of some good reviews. Well, I think that for those that don't care too much about logic, it's worth a watch.

What makes this film interesting is that you'll see the bombing of Dresden from the German point of view. As it is a television film "Dresden" was made for the big audience and not for intellectuals. How would the Germans describe the bombing of Dresden? How would they portray the allies? The film tries to be objective - it shows the gruesome details of the destruction of Dresden and shows as well the nazi terror dominant in Hitler's last days. It has a cast of British and German actors and doesn't try to demonize either side. It's much more concerned with the love story lived by the British pilot with the German nurse than with historical details and it's an appeal for peace and understanding. The plot is as full of holes as a swiss cheese, sometimes bordering on the incredible. But if you employ some suspension of disbelief "Dresden" will move you. There's good acting, good cinematography and the sweet Felicitas Woll.

What a change from the usual rather run-of-the-mill dramas I'm used to on ZDF.

I wasn't expecting too much, but was hooked from the first minute. I was really pleased to see a good healthy mixture of well-known actors, however I did get the feeling that sometimes the concept and trauma of the whole idea was too overwhelming for even them to actually carry it off believably. I got the feeling that it was mentally exhausting for all involved.

That's the only negative point, but I understand that this subject is such a sensitive one, one that reflected everybody's personal feelings. If no-one feels sensitive about an issue such as this, then we are all in trouble in the future.

I felt that John Light definitely did it for me with his (apparent) stoicism, when all the time the shock and horror of what is actually happening , almost in a surreal way, unfolds beyond his (characters') eyes and becomes more and more embedded in the soul. The idea of being a victim when the "good guys" are actually bombing the hell out of the place you're stuck in, puts a very different subjective aspect on the story. The poignancy reflected in the story on both sides had me very moved for a long time. Of course there are many aspects and issues that were maybe left with the surface barely scratched, but many issues were definitely broached, and that's what counts. How do you condense a culmination of 6 years of war into one "short" TV-event? Answer, it's nigh-on impossible, but the effort was made very bravely, well-done.

A great deal of thought-provoking moments and a no-win situation were another top point, where I feel these sorts of films, be it romance, drama, documentary or otherwise should never cease. We unfortunately need the horrific visions, (and the brain can conjure up plenty of horrific scenes without actually having to have everything laid out on a plate, the essence is important, the rest can and often has to be left to the imagination, one of our most powerful resources) to remind ourselves of how terrible things can become, because human beings are very forgetful of just what has happened in the past and never should happen again.

I was very glad to have watched this drama and will definitely be recommending it further.

A fictional love drama set on the background of Dresden at the end of World War II achieves to illuminate the complexity of human characters under the life-threatening terror of the Nazi-regime and the war.

The excellent cast with Felicitas Woll, John Light and Benjamin Sadler as main figures involve the viewer into a very personal drama. As the screenplay avoids black-and-white-painting, multi-layered characters invite the viewer to a differentiating point of view.

Realistic fire-scenes, carefully computer-animated flying-sequences and the participation of both British and German historians in pre-production contribute to a gripping movie about a sensitive point in German history.

Following a friend's advice, I just finished watching "Dresden".

"Dresden" deals with two major themes: one dealing with the war itself, showing the German civilians living day to day in fear of severe retaliation on behalf of the British RAF. It also shows how the British pilots, who risk their lives to bomb the enemy, and how ruthless the Nazi's were.

The other theme is a fragment of the previous theme, showing a love-story between a stranded British pilot and a German civilian nurse working in a local hospital during the war.

Hence of course why this film is called "Dresden"; not because of the city but because of anyone and anything taking place in the city of Dresden.

Also worth to mention is that "Dresden" is unlike other Hollywood movies dealing World War 2. It's not meant to only entertain the viewer but to educate as well. This is partially done by some intense dramatic moments and painful, shocking detailed images.

About the rest of the movie; I was surprised by the good acting performances done by a relative unknown cast. At least I don't know any of them. It also was quite obvious that a large budget was available, looking at the good quality of production when keeping in mind that "Dresden" is 'only' a TV-movie.

Conclusion: if you want to learn something more about World War 2 while 'witnessing' it from another point of view and at the same time enjoying an intriguing story about two 'enemies' falling in love, then "Dresden" is something for you.

If you want American patriotism, a single sided view on World War 2 and lots of entertainment, then I'm sure that there are plenty of Hollywood-films out there.

My score, keeping in mind it's 'only' a TV-film: 8 out of 10.

This TV production ambitiously tackles the dual themes of wartime horror and romance set against the historical backdrop of the Allied bombing of Dresden. While the plot is riddled with implausibilities, it remains a noteworthy piece for its distinct perspective and technical execution.

Cinematically, the movie impresses with its commitment to capturing the visceral reality of wartime destruction. The cinematography is commendable, effectively portraying the devastating impact of the bombing. The use of special effects, especially given the constraints of a television budget, stands out, bringing to life the inferno that engulfed Dresden with a grim authenticity. However, the film does falter in some technical accuracies, particularly with the portrayal of aircraft operations, which may irk aviation enthusiasts but doesn't detract significantly from the overall narrative for the general viewer.

The acting is generally strong, with a cast that, while not widely recognized, delivers compelling performances. The emotional depth brought by the actors, especially in the more intense, dramatic moments, anchors the film's attempt to humanize the war experience. However, some characters, particularly the leads, occasionally come across as miscast. The chemistry between the central couple sometimes lacks the necessary conviction, which slightly undermines the romantic subplot that the film heavily relies on.

The screenplay, while striving to blend historical events with a personal love story, often succumbs to clichés and predictable tropes. This narrative approach, reminiscent of James Cameron's "Titanic," uses a real-life tragedy as a backdrop for a romantic plot, which can feel somewhat contrived and emotionally manipulative. Nevertheless, the film's attempt to remain balanced in its portrayal of both sides of the conflict is commendable, avoiding outright demonization and instead focusing on the shared humanity of the characters.

Despite its narrative flaws, the movie succeeds in its broader aim to evoke a powerful anti-war sentiment. The harrowing scenes of destruction and the detailed depiction of civilian suffering serve as a poignant reminder of the horrors of war, emphasizing the importance of peace and understanding. The film's educational value is also notable, providing viewers with a German perspective on a historical event often seen through a different lens in mainstream cinema.

Dresden is a film that, while imperfect, offers a moving portrayal of wartime devastation intertwined with a story of love and hope. Its technical merits, combined with solid performances, make it a compelling watch for those interested in historical dramas and wartime narratives. Despite some narrative weaknesses and occasional casting missteps, the film's impact lies in its emotional resonance and its heartfelt plea for peace.