13 Minutes

In November 1939, a pivotal moment unfolds in Munich as Georg Elser, portrayed by Christian Friedel, attempts a daring act of defiance against the Nazi regime. He meticulously plants a homemade bomb inside a column of a local Bierkeller, aiming to eliminate the infamous leader, Adolf Hitler. However, fate intervenes; his bomb detonates just 13 minutes after Hitler departs the venue, narrowly missing its target. As Elser attempts to escape to neutral Switzerland, he is apprehended at the border, setting the stage for a harrowing sequence of events.

Once in custody, the German security services, believing Elser must have conspired with others, discover incriminating evidence linking him to the assassination attempt. These findings lead to his brutal interrogation and torture. To further intimidate him, officials also apprehend members of his family from his hometown. Among these is Else Härlen, a married woman with whom Elser has been involved, played by Katharina Schüttler. When she is brought before him, Elser is filled with dread for her safety. To protect her, he insists to police chief Arthur Nebe (played by Burghart Klaußner) and Gestapo leader Heinrich Müller that he acted independently. Elser elaborates on how he skillfully assembled two clockwork devices to ensure the bomb would strike during Hitler’s speech, incorporating stolen materials like detonators and dynamite.

Despite his relentless assertions of solo culpability, authorities subject Elser to further torture, including the use of powerful drugs like Pervitin. Yet his story remains steadfast—he stands alone in his rebellion against the tyranny of the Nazis. As the narrative unfolds through poignant flashbacks, viewers witness Elser’s growing hatred towards the Nazis and his conviction that removing Hitler was essential for Germany’s survival.

Elser’s fate becomes even more poignant as he is transferred to concentration camps, enduring five bleak years before his execution, which comes just days prior to the liberation of Dachau concentration camp by American forces and shortly before the conclusion of the war. In his last moments, he learns that Arthur Nebe has faced a similar fate, executed for his involvement in the failed July assassination plot.

Today, Georg Elser stands as a symbol of resistance against oppression during the Second World War, recognized for his bravery and commitment to fighting an unjust regime, highlighting a remarkable story of individual courage in the face of overpowering adversity.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:03