Reflections on the movie "BONHOEFFER: Pastor. Spy. Assassin."
Rarely does a movie transcend the moviemaking art, imparting something more significant. In that, BONHOEFFER: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. succeeds.
This is written after just coming home from the theater; I wanted to capture my thoughts and emotions while still fresh. So, how does this film impart “something more significant?”
As you watch, you start contemplating your own character, your own soul — your own faith – that you think you have, and if it would stand when tested.
Why? For although based on the story of a real man in real times in the past – Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his courageous opposition to Hitler and his National Socialists (NAZIS) – parallels to recent history and current events, and the emergent evil we confront today, inevitably cross the mind.
For you see, a secular and spiritual battle between good and evil has been, and remains, part of the human condition, albeit more during certain periods than at others. Those of us living in particular times then have choices to make, especially those living during the “more” periods (in my opinion, we are in a “gathering storm” approaching, if not already in the beginning stages, of a “more” period).
One might leave the theater discouraged by Bonhoeffer’s fate – certainly if you leave it at his earthly fate. But if you are a Believer, you know that earthly fate is transitory. And if you are not a Believer, you might want to ponder what motivated and drove Bonhoeffer, and how can such motivations be explained solely by the workings of the mind of a man, and such drive merely by human will?
Believer of not, after seeing this movie you will feel the tug of contemplating: “What would I do if I’m ever confronted with such evil in the world, and would I have the courage to (at least) speak out – to bear witness against it? And if that, would I have the courage to do more than bearing witness alone?”
Even if not a Believer, such contemplation is good for the human spirit. If a Believer, such contemplation is also good for the soul.
Which, in part, but only in part, explains why everyone should see this movie.
[Note: I believe that one will benefit by having some idea of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s story before seeing the movie — this link will provide a brief introduction to his story.]