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Some may criticize the film's other memorable villain—Nazi judge Roland Freisler (André Hennicke)—whose hysterical shrieking and gesticulating from the bench look like a textbook case of overacting. But records show that, indeed, this is a spot-on impersonation of one of Hitler's maniacal henchmen.

Sophie Scholl is not a perfect film. Martin Langer's cinematography is sufficient, but hardly imaginative. And greater attention to the early scenes might have helped acquaint us with Scholl's personality and past better. But the film's effect on viewers is undeniable. It won two Silver Bear awards—Best Director and Best Actress—at the 2005 Berlin International Film Festival, along with its nomination at the Oscars. And mainstream critics, some of whom jump at the opportunity to smack down faith-oriented films for shoddy craftsmanship, are raving about how deeply it moved them.

At the hearings, Sophie is interrogated by a Nazi judge

If this is not reason enough for you to hurry out and buy a ticket, consider one more remarkable aspect of this film. Rothemund and Breinersdorfer remember to consider something about their champion that most hero-movies forget—her parents. When we meet Scholl's mother and father, they are understandably distressed. But they are proud as well—proud that their daughter would rise to acts of courage and conviction; proud that she learned to care for the weak and the oppressed; proud that she would not merely swallow what her government told her, but followed her curiosity to the truth. Heroes do not spontaneously burst from the ether—they are raised.

That's the kind of heroism the world needs today, both from young people who care about the future, and from parents who set an example. So even if you know how the story ends, take your family, friends, and neighbors to see Sophie Scholl: The Final Days. It's one of those rare and wonderful films that offers a vivid portrayal of faith without compromising standards of excellence.

1. What impresses you about Sophie Scholl? What enables her to behave with such courage?
   
   
2. Discuss the intense arguments between Scholl and Mohr. What are the differences in their worldviews? What does Mohr value most? What does Scholl value most? Do you think Scholl causes Mohr to doubt his own convictions? If so, where do you see this happening?
   
   
3. What does Scripture say about Sophie's kind of courage? Can you think of other great figures in history who have demonstrated such courage?
   
   
4. Christians are often villainized and ridiculed on the big screen. What is different about this film's portrayal of a Christian? Is there a difference between Sophie's character and the character of other Christian movie characters?

Sophie Scholl: The Final Days is unrated, but feels like a PG-13 movie. It contains no scenes of graphic violence, save for one fleeting glimpse of Nazi cruelty (but the bloody consequences are not shown.) Still, it is intense enough that it is inappropriate for young children.

Photos © Copyright Zeitgeist Films

© Jeffrey Overstreet 2006, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

How many great Christian heroes have you seen at the movies? Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons. Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire. That passionate Joan of Arc. Sister Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking. Can you think of others? It's a challenge, because Christian characters are often portrayed as a problem rather than a blessing—and sometimes, it's easy to see why. Christians are, after all, often as prone to misbehavior as anyone else, and we deserve some of the unflattering portrayals that we've seen.

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