Film Review: 13 Minutes (15) (Germany 2015) (Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel) (German with English Subtitles), Filmhouse, Screen Two, Edinburgh, Thursday 20.08.2015, 13:15

This is a film by the director of the chilling 'Downfall' (2004), which details the story of Georg Elser who in 1939 attempted to assassinate Adolf Hitler missing by 13 minutes. This is an excellently acted and in ways nuanced film which is careful to show that there were people whop supported Hitler who contained good in them and there were also people who opposed him who at the same time were not decent in how they treated others. The film was very good in showing the small community that Georg Elser came from, throughout the period of the rise of Nazism, and how the community became divided right from the start of this period. 

It was also very good in portraying how Hitler found it impossible to accept that the assassination attempt could have been the work of one man, the early seeds of what would ultimately do him in; underestimating the ability and determination of the opposition. 

This was a humane and respectful portrayal of ordinary decent German folk trying to do their best for themselves and others while not falling in line and colluding with the fascist scum. It took decades for Georg to be recognised for the resistance fighter that he was and I feel this film is a fitting tribute. A thoroughly absorbing watch and highly recommended. 

Rating: 10/10.