Hanged On A Twisted Cross

Biblical theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis just days before the Allies defeated Germany in World War II. This gripping documentary narrated by Ed Asner captures the life, times, and thought of Bonhoeffer. Using rare archival footage, documents, and visits to original locations, we get an intimate portrait of a man whose life and writings grow in their influence and speak powerfully to issues of our own day some 50 years later.

How does a man of peace come to assist violence in combating unrestrained evil? What do you do when deep-seated patriotism for your nation compels you to oppose your fatherland and its demonic leader? What course do you take when your love for the Gospel conflicts with your tragically compromised church? What is the responsibility of a follower of God when others are being persecuted and sent to prison camps and gas chambers?

As shown in this two-hour program, Bonhoeffer confronted these and other issues with a searching Biblical faith and personal courage in a way that speaks to every generation.

Hanged on a Twisted Cross

This is a DVD that my husband wanted for his birthday. The movie stops playing about 20 minutes from the end, so he can't see the end of the movie. He has tried different DVD players with no results. This is the first time I have purchased movies this way. Can I get it replaced with one that works? I purchased new rather than used to avoid this type of problem. February 3, 2006

A informative and engaging documentary on the life, times, and thought of this man who was martyred for his beliefs

Biblical Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis just days before the Allies defeated Germany in World War II. "Hanged On A Twisted Cross" is a informative and engaging documentary on the life, times, and thought of this man who was martyred for his beliefs. Drawing upon archival footage, historical documents, and visits to original locations, "Hanged Upon A Twisted Cross" provides an intimate and insightful portrait of a man whose life and writings grew (and continue to grow) in their theological influence within the Christian community, and still powerfully speak to contemporary issues a half century after Bonhoeffer's death. Viewers will benefit from Bonhoeffer's views on how men of peace come to employ violence when combating unrestrained evil. What is to be done when deep-seated patriotism and their religion-based ethics compels Christians to oppose their fatherland and its demonic leader. The DVD format is thoroughly "user friendly". With a total running time of two hours, "Hanged On A Twisted Cross" is strongly recommended viewing and a welcome contribution to personal, seminary, and academic Christian Studies collections.
December 13, 2005

A powerful and captivating "sermon"

The secondary definition of the word "sermon" according to Merriam-Webster is "a speech on conduct or duty."

This 120 min. 29 little chapters documentary has the feel of a "sermon" and history lesson all wrapped in one.

The movie starts with the following prologue/opening credits: "dedicated to Him Who made this film possible." Not only this but also the sound of a classic church hymnal as background music sets the tone for a Christian religious movie. The narration that follows, is by no means boring or soporific, as the music and voice and images presented are very engaging and intellectually stimulating.

This documentary focuses solely on "The Life, Convictions and Martyrdom of" a man by the name Dietrich Bonhoeffer at the orders of no other than Adolf Hitler and his henchmen. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a pastor, theologian, university professor, anti-Nazi conspirator, and martyr who detected early on the evils of a new monster rising amidst his germanic countrymen (Adolf Hitler as Fuehrer, racism as means of national liberation, the deification of state authority, the corruption of the state churches) and amidst Christendom before the break of WWII in September 1939. His theology and actions also saved the lives of some Jews he personally helped escape to Switzerland.

The presentation is rich in quotes from his writings, church sermons, and letters he wrote. One gets the feeling of familiarity with his books ("Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community," "Cost of Discipleship / Nachfolge," "Letters and Papers from Prison") after viewing this film. Also quite a bit of time is spent explaining the geopolitical and social situation of Germany between the end of WWI and capitulation of German army in 1945 and during Dietrich's time abroad in Barcelona/Spain, American, and England.

This Christian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, had a living theology and a theology that was alive. And his life and writings are as relevant to our post-modern lives as they were to the turbulent 30s and murderous 40s.

As a companion (especially for the un-churched or non-Christians) I would also recommend the 2003 First Run Features production of "Bonhoeffer - Pastor, Pacifist, Nazi Resister" also found on Amazon DVD.

Because His "grace" is "costly!" (to use Bonhoeffer's terminology) September 23, 2005

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