Bonhoeffer (released as Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.) is a historical drama film about the German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident Dietrich Bonhoeffer, written, produced and directed by Todd Komarnicki. It stars Jonas Dassler, August Diehl, David Jonsson, Flula Borg, Moritz Bleibtreu, and Clarke Peters.
| Bonhoeffer | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Todd Komarnicki |
| Written by | Todd Komarnicki |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | John Mathieson |
| Edited by | Blu Murray |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Angel Studios |
Release date |
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Running time | 132 minutes[1] |
| Countries |
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| Language | English |
The film is scheduled to be released in the United States on November 22, 2024.
Premise
editSet in 1940s Berlin, it dramatizes the life of German theologian and pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who stood up to the Nazis during the Third Reich.[2]
Cast
edit- Jonas Dassler as Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- August Diehl as Martin Niemöller
- David Jonsson as Frank Fisher
- Flula Borg as Hans von Dohnanyi
- Moritz Bleibtreu as Karl Bonhoeffer
- Nadine Heidenreich as Paula Bonhoeffer
- Patrick Mölleken as Walter Bonhoeffer
- William Robinson as Eberhard Bethge
- Clarke Peters as Reverend Powell Sr.
Production
editIn 2018, Komarnicki discussed shooting the film, then titled God's Spy, describing it as a "profound and pretty untold story of heroism from World War II."[3]
In January 2023, Jonas Dassler was confirmed in the role of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Flula Borg, David Jonsson, August Diehl, and Moritz Bleibtreu were confirmed as cast. Cinematographer John Mathieson and production designer John Beard were also revealed to be on-board the project.[4]
Principal photography took place in Ireland in locations such as counties Limerick,[5] Clare and Tipperary,[6] and St Fin Barre's Cathedral in Cork.[7][8] Filming also took place in Belgium, in Brussels, Liege,[9] and Spa.[10] According to Variety filming wrapped before March 2023.[11]
Release
editIn November 2023, Angel Studios acquired worldwide rights to the film, which had been retitled from God's Spy to Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin.[12] It is scheduled to be released in the United States on November 22, 2024.[13]
Critics
editIn an article in the German weekly Die Zeit,[14] the movie was heavily criticized of abusing Bonhoeffer's life in order to promote Christian Nationalism, and potentially, given that its slogan is "How far will you go to stand up for what's right?", to stir political violence. This is, according to the film's authors, far from the film's intentions.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ "Bonhoeffer (2024)". Irish Film Classification Office. September 19, 2024. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
- ^ "Filming in St Fin Barre's: Major movie shoot takes place in cathedral". echolive.ie. January 13, 2023. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
- ^ "Portrait of the Artist: Todd Komarnicki". Tribeca Citizen. December 6, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (January 12, 2023). "Jonas Dassler To Topline Thriller 'God's Spy' From Writer-Director Todd Komarnicki; Flula Borg, Clarke Peters & More Also Set". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ^ Lynch, Richard (January 16, 2023). "Gods Spy, the Story of legendary German Theologian-Turned-Spy Filming in Limerick". IloveLimerick.ie. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
- ^ "Tipperary chosen as major location for €22m blockbuster movie God's Spy". Tipperary Live. January 17, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ^ Fitton, Daire (January 11, 2023). "Oscar-nominated talent in Cork as shooting for new film 'God's Spy' takes place in city". Corkbeo.ie. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ^ Casey, Jess (January 11, 2023). "Filming for Second World War biopic under way in Cork City". Irish Examiner. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
- ^ de Beaudrap, Anne-Françoise (September 23, 2022). "Casting for a period film soon to be shot in Belgium". Cathobel (in French). Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ "Le tournage du film hollywoodien sur le point de débuter à Spa, on recherche des figurants". Sudinfo (in French). November 9, 2022.
- ^ Jackson, Angelique (March 3, 2023). "CAA Signs 'Industry,' 'Rye Lane' Star David Jonsson (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (November 17, 2023). "'Sound Of Freedom' Studio Angel Studios Acquires True-Life WWII Thriller 'Bonhoeffer'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ Goldsmith, Jill (April 10, 2024). "Angel Studios Sets Release Dates For Bonhoeffer, Homestead & New Animated Musical David – CinemaCon". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
- ^ ZEIT, DIE (October 16, 2024). "Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Wie Trumps radikale Anhänger Dietrich Bonhoeffer instrumentalisieren". Die Zeit (in German). ISSN 0044-2070. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
- "Press Release: Bonhoeffer (2024)". Angel Studios. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
