Downfall (film)/Quotes

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"I've got the feeling that I should be angry with this child, this young and oblivious girl. Or that I'm not allowed to forgive her for not seeing the nature of that monster." —Traudl Junge

Krebs: The enemy has broken through along a wide front. They've taken Zossen to the south and are advancing to Stahnsdorf. They're on the northern outskirts between Frohnau and Pankow, they've reached Lichtenberg, Mahlsdorf and Karlshorst to the east. Hitler: Steiner's assault will bring it under control. Krebs: Mein Führer, Steiner..... Jodl: Steiner couldn't mobilize enough men. He wasn't able to carry out his assault. Hitler: [looks shocked, pulls glasses shakily] These men will stay here: Keitel, Jodl, Krebs and Burgdorf. [everybody goes out except for the aforementioned generals] Hitler: [exploding] THAT WAS AN ORDER! STEINER'S ASSAULT WAS AN ORDER! Who do you think you are to dare disobey an order I give?! So this is what it has come to! The military has been lying to me. Everybody has been lying to me, even the SS! Our generals are just a bunch of contemptible, disloyal cowards... Burgdorf: Mein Führer, I can't permit you to insult the soldiers! Hitler: THEY ARE COWARDS, TRAITORS AND FAILURES! Bugdorf: Mein Führer, this is outrageous! Hitler: Our generals are the scum of the German people! [throws pencil] Not a shred of honour! They call themselves generals. Years at military academy just to learn how to hold a knife and fork! For years, the military has hindered my plans! They've put every kind of obstacle in my way! What I should have done... was liquidate all the high-ranking officers, as Stalin did! [Hitler sits down] Hitler: I never attended an academy, and yet I have conquered Europe all by myself. Traitors! I've been betrayed and deceived from the very beginning! What a monstrous betrayal of the German people...but all those traitors will pay. They'll pay with their own blood. THEY SHALL DROWN IN THEIR OWN BLOOD! [Hitler calms down sadly] Hitler: My orders have fallen on deaf ears. Under these circumstances, I am no longer able to lead. It's over. The war is lost. But gentlemen, if you believe I am going to leave Berlin, you are seriously mistaken. I'd rather blow my brains out. Do whatever you like. —The endlessly parodied Hitler rant, about Steiner not attacking after being given an order

"Tomorrow millions of people will curse me, but fate has taken its course." —Hitler in the movie

Goebbels: Brigadefuehrer, what can I do for you? Mohnke: The Russians are mowing down your Volkssturm recruits. They lack experience and suitable weapons. Goebbels: That is compensated for by their fervent belief in the final victory. Mohnke: If you can't arm these men, they can't fight. They are dying in vain. Goebbels: I feel no sympathy. (Beat) Goebbels (exploding): I repeat, I feel no sympathy! The German people chose their fate. That may surprise some people. Don't fool yourself. We didn't force the German people. They gave us the mandate. And now their little throats are being cut. (does an appropriate hand gesture) —Goebbels, demonstrating the true feelings of Hitler and his consorts on the fate of Germany and its people.