Overall, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. is a refreshing and thought-provoking take on a historical figure. It’s definitely not perfect, but it’s bold, authentic, and worth watching, especially if you’re tired of cookie-cutter Christian films. Definitely recommend giving it a shot!

The movie leans more toward the intellectual and emotional side of his story, which works, but I wouldn’t have minded a little more edge to balance it out.

If there’s one thing I would’ve liked more of, it’s action—maybe a little more grit and violence to reflect the history of Nazi Germany and Bonhoeffer’s role in the resistance.

The storytelling style reminded me of Oppenheimer with its use of flashbacks, though with a bigger Hollywood budget and A-list stars, this could’ve been even more impactful. The actors did a solid job, but I couldn’t help imagining how this could’ve been elevated with a grander production.

As someone who isn’t a Bonhoeffer expert but studied him in seminary, I really appreciated the subtle nods to his time at Union Seminary in New York and his deep influence from the Black church in Harlem. That was a crucial part of his story, and I’m glad it was included.

The film does a decent job showing Bonhoeffer’s complexity without shying away from his flaws, which is something Christian films often hesitate to do.

German actor Jonas Dassler brings Bonhoeffer to life as a privileged, naive, and intellectually stuck-up guy. Watching his character grow and wake up to the horrors as the story progresses was one of the highlights of the movie.

But honestly, that’s what made this movie feel human. Too many Christian films go for a squeaky-clean image that ends up feeling out of touch—this one doesn’t.

The film does an excellent job of staying as true to historical and cultural accuracy as possible. I mean, who would’ve thought we’d see Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a famous theologian, drinking, smoking, throwing things, and even going to nightclubs? Shocking, right?.