13 Minutes

13 Minutes

Year: 2017

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel

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On November 8, 1939, as Hitler marked a significant event, a man was apprehended at the Swiss border with sensitive information. Shortly after, a bomb exploded near the Führer's lectern, resulting in eight fatalities. The man, Georg Elser, a skilled carpenter, is identified as the individual who attempted to assassinate Hitler but failed. Following the incident, he is subjected to interrogation and compelled to recount the events leading up to his audacious attempt to halt the escalating conflict.

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Timeline – 13 Minutes (2017)

Trace every key event in 13 Minutes (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Bombing Attempt

In November 1939, Georg Elser plants a homemade bomb inside a column of a Munich Bierkeller. His intent is to assassinate Adolf Hitler during a speech, marking the start of his audacious plan to change the course of history.

November 1939 Munich Bierkeller
2

Caught at the Border

After the bomb is detonated, Elser attempts to flee into neutral Switzerland. However, he is apprehended by the border guards, who find him suspicious just moments after the explosion.

Swiss Border
3

Detonation Aftermath

The bomb goes off but misses its target, Adolf Hitler, by a mere 13 minutes. This near miss turns Elser's bold act into a pivotal moment of failure and tragedy in his life.

Munich
4

Incriminating Evidence

The German security services conduct a thorough investigation and discover incriminating evidence linking Elser to the assassination attempt. This evidence leads them to suspect that he was part of a larger conspiracy, heightening the seriousness of his situation.

5

Family Arrested

As the investigation unfolds, the authorities round up Elser's family members, including his romantic interest, Else Härlen, from his home village. This move is meant to pressure Elser into revealing more information about his connections.

Elser's Home Village
6

Else's Dilemma

When Else is brought in for questioning, Elser's concern for her safety rises dramatically. He desperately insists to police chief Arthur Nebe and Gestapo head Heinrich Müller that he acted alone in the assassination attempt, fearing that the revelation of a network could endanger her life.

7

Torture and Lies

Despite facing torture and psychological pressure, Elser continues to assert that he acted alone. He details the mechanisms of the bomb he constructed but refuses to implicate anyone else, earning the brutal wrath of his captors.

Interrogation Room
8

Despicable Regime

Through flashbacks, the film reveals Elser's growing disdain for the Nazi regime. His experiences and observations lead him to a strong belief that Hitler must be killed to save Germany from tyranny.

9

Concentration Camp

After being convicted, Elser is held in concentration camps for five long years. This harrowing experience highlights the severe repercussions of standing up against the oppressive regime.

Concentration Camp
10

Impending Death

In the final days before Dachau's liberation by American forces, the grim reality of Elser's fate looms closer. He learns about the death of Arthur Nebe, which signals the high stakes of resistance against the Nazi leadership.

Dachau
11

Legacy of Resistance

Georg Elser is ultimately executed shortly before the end of World War II, but his actions and courage are later celebrated. He becomes a symbol of resistance against fascism in Germany and is regarded as a hero in the fight against the Nazis.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:03

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13 Minutes Summary

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13 Minutes Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in 13 Minutes

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Characters, Settings & Themes in 13 Minutes

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