Before the Fall (2004)
Kernel Score: 76% · 355 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama
Released: 2004-07-04
Runtime: 117 minutes
Overview
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.
Before the Fall parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that Before the Fall is a WWII drama set in an elite Nazi academy, depicting hazing, cruelty, and death alongside a central friendship and moral awakening.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts brutal hazing, boxing, cruelty, and death within a Nazi military school.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Before the Fall
If you liked Before the Fall, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Schindler's List (1993) — 97%
- The Book Thief (2013) — 85%
- Nuremberg (2025) — 83%
- Freedom Writers (2007) — 87%
- Conspiracy (2001) — 82%
- Germany, Year Zero (1948) — 85%
- The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008) — 87%
- Like Stars on Earth (2007) — 87%
Director
Cast
- Max Riemelt as Friedrich Weimer
- Tom Schilling as Albrecht Stein
- Devid Striesow as Heinrich Vogler
- Joachim Bißmeier as Karl Klein
- Justus von Dohnányi as Heinrich Stein
- Michael Schenk as Josef Peiner
- Florian Stetter as Justus von Jaucher
- Alexander Held as Friedrich's Father
- Sissy Höfferer as Friedrich's Mother
- Jonas Jägermeyr as Christoph Schneider
Before the Fall FAQ
Is Before the Fall good?
Before the Fall has a 76% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 355 audience ratings.
Is Before the Fall OK for kids?
Before the Fall is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that Before the Fall is a WWII drama set in an elite Nazi academy, depicting hazing, cruelty, and death alongside a central friendship and moral awakening.
What movies are like Before the Fall?
If you liked Before the Fall, try Schindler's List, The Book Thief, Nuremberg and Freedom Writers.