Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
Dietrich Bonhoeffer lived a life that echoes in eternity. Despite being executed by the Nazi regime at age 39, Christians continue to be inspired and challenged by the books he wrote, such as “The Cost of Discipleship,” and his example of courage and faithfulness.
“Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.” a new feature film from Angel Studios, will open in theaters on November 22. The title itself suggests the many facets of a man who put his faith into action, as the studio describes the movie:
When a pacifist is called to a political act that could change the course of history, how will a man of honor respond? This is the true story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a man who preached love while plotting the assassination of an evil tyrant. With world-shattering stakes, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. raises the question, how far will you go to stand up for what’s right?
Angel Studios, the company behind such films as last summer’s “Sound of Freedom,” has an impressive track record of spiritual integrity and box-office success. Bonhoeffer gave writer-director Todd Komarnicki a rich, complex subject to develop. Not even Hollywood could dream up a character who was both a pacifist pastor and part of a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.
“Encountering Dietrich Bonhoeffer and being honored with the opportunity to share his thrilling story with the world has been a singular privilege, “ Komarnicki told “Deadline.” “Dietrich’s message of peace and courage is as urgent as it was in 1945.”
Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran theologian and pastor, was a strong advocate of ecumenism and a leader in what was known as the confessing church. This movement for revival within German Protestant churches developed during the 1930s from their resistance to Hitler’s attempt to make the churches an instrument of Nazi propaganda and politics.
The movie traces the life of Bonhoeffer (convincingly portrayed by Jonas Dassler) from his childhood in Germany through Union Seminary in New York City, the development of his social conscience and the fateful decision that would lead to a Nazi prison camp and ultimately, his death by hanging.
“There has never been a time in history where we needed to be reminded of the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer more than today,” said Jordan Harmon, president of Angel Studios “The Angel Guild has shown, time and again, that true stories of heroism resonate and remind us of the power of the human spirit.”
The movie faithfully tells the story of the impact that one man had in the face of evil and the influence it continues to have today. Bonhoeffer’s life is best summed up on one of his most famous quotes: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”
“Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.” offers a thoughtful, engaging alternative to overeating or binging on football over Thanksgiving weekend. It is rated PG-13 for violent content, thematic elements and some smoking, and has a running time of two hours and 15 minutes.
For more information and to view the trailer, visit www.angel.com/movies/bonhoeffer. A good source to learn more about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is the book “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy” by Eric Metaxas, which is available from most online retailers and bookstores.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
