Sophie Scholl
A dramatization of the final days of Sophie Scholl, one of the most famous members of the German World War II anti-Nazi resistance movement, The White Rose.
The true story of Germany's most famous anti-Nazi heroine is brought to thrilling life in the multi-award winning drama Sophie Scholl-The Final Days. Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language Film of 2005, Sophie Scholl stars Julia Jentsch in a luminous performance as the young coed-turned-fearless activist. Armed with long-buried historical records of her incarceration, director Marc Rothemund expertly re-creates the last six days of Sophie Scholl's life: a heart-stopping journey from arrest to interrogation, trial and sentence. In 1943, as Hitler continues to wage war across Europe, a group of college students mount an underground resistance movement in Munich. Dedicated expressly to the downfall of the monolithic Third Reich war machine, they call themselves the White Rose. One of its few female members, Sophie Scholl is captured during a dangerous mission to distribute pamphlets on campus with her brother Hans. Unwavering in her convictions and loyalty to the White Rose, her cross-examination by the Gestapo quickly escalates into a searing test of wills as Scholl delivers a passionate call to freedom and personal responsibility that is both haunting and timeless.
Certificate: PG
Key cast / credits: Dir. Marc Rothemund
Starring Julia Jentsch, Fabian Hinrichs, Gerald Alexander Held, Johanna Gastdorf
Running time: 120 mins
Release date: October 2005
Country: Germany
Language: German w/English Subtitles
Format available: 35mm/digi
Nomination - Best Foreign Language Film, Academy Awards
Best European Actress - Julia Jentsch, European Film Awards
Best Director, Jameson People's Choice Awards
Best Actress, Jameson People's Choice Awards
Best Feature Film, German Film Awards (The Lolas)
Best Actress in a Leading Role - Julia Jentsch, German Film Awards (The Lolas)
Audience Award - Best Film of 2005, German Film Awards (The Lolas)
Silver Bear for Best Director, 55th Berlin International Film Festival
Silver Bear for Best Actress, 55th Berlin International Film Festival
"As befits a film about a woman who took much of her strength from religious conviction, Jentsch's performance seems to be lit from within. This role has so taken hold of the actress that we feel we're seeing Scholl's spirit come to life again. To take a character that idealistic and make us believe she unquestionably existed is acting the way you want it to be." Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
"Powerful! Jentsch is a mesmerizing presence!" Jack Matthews, New York Daily News
"A subtle, restrained performance! She [Jentsch] succeeds beyond all expectation!" Stuart Klawans, The Nation