Before the Fall

2004 · 1h57 · Film

Directed by Dennis Gansel

Starring Max Riemelt, Tom Schilling, Devid Striesow, Joachim Bißmeier, Justus von Dohnányi, Michael Schenk, Florian Stetter, Alexander Held, Sissy Höfferer, Jonas Jägermeyr

Ideal when you feel… Sad / low Exhausted

In 1942, Friedrich Weimer's boxing skills get him an appointment to a National Political Academy (NaPolA) - high schools that produce Nazi elite. Over his father's objections, Friedrich enrolls. During his year in seventh column, Friedrich encounters hazing, cruelty, death, and the Nazi code. His friendship with Albrecht, the ascetic son of the area's governor, is central to this education.

Original title

Napola - Elite für den Führer

Original language

German

Screenplay

Maggie Peren, Dennis Gansel

Music

Angelo Badalamenti, Normand Corbeil

Cinematography

Torsten Breuer

Cast

Joachim Bißmeier, Justus von Dohnányi, Michael Schenk, Florian Stetter, Alexander Held, Sissy Höfferer, Jonas Jägermeyr, Leon A. Kersten, Claudia Michelsen

Updated July 22, 2026

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