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13 Minutes 2017

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.

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.

Does 13 Minutes have end credit scenes?

No!

13 Minutes does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of 13 Minutes

Explore the complete cast of 13 Minutes, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for 13 Minutes

See how 13 Minutes is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where 13 Minutes stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

73

Overall, 13 Minutes presents a thoughtfully crafted biographical drama that excels in its character portrayal and period authenticity. Critics consistently praised the film’s nuanced performances and precise art direction while noting that the pacing and narrative focus can feel restrained in places. The production design and visual cohesion reinforce the historical setting, even as some viewers find the execution workmanlike. As a whole, the film achieves moderate engagement by combining strong emotional resonance with a measured storytelling approach.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for 13 Minutes

80
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film offers a clear directorial vision supported by careful period detail and cohesive visual composition. Reviewers praised the striking production design and consistent framing that evoke the era effectively. A few observers mentioned that some sequences felt workmanlike, lacking dynamic editing or bold visual flourishes. Overall, the craftsmanship provides a solid foundation for the film’s historical atmosphere.

88
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, the film is anchored by nuanced performances that convey Georg Elser’s inner struggle. Critics highlighted the lead actor’s ability to balance moral conviction with human vulnerability, creating an emotionally resonant portrayal. While some found moments of sentimentality slightly overt, the depth of character and authentic interactions earned frequent commendation. Ultimately, the cast’s work drives the film’s emotional core with credible restraint and sincerity.

70
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, the narrative offers a sober exploration of personal conscience against a tumultuous historical backdrop. Supporters noted engaging examination of the protagonist’s motivations, though some found the pacing measured and occasionally uneven. The interrogation subplot and inferred “what if” elements stimulated interest but also drew criticism for lacking dramatic momentum. Overall, the storyline succeeds in thematic clarity despite its restrained rhythm and intermittent narrative detours.

65
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

Regarding the sensory experience, the film’s visual style is marked by an understated color palette and coherent period textures. Observers appreciated the evocative settings and ambient sound choices that convey wartime tension. However, the soundtrack and sound design received fewer mentions and rarely stood out as distinctive elements. In sum, the sensory presentation supports the film’s atmosphere without delivering consistently immersive or memorable audio-visual highlights.

60
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

When considering rewatch value, the film offers solid emotional beats but may not compel repeated viewings for all audiences. The strong performances and authentic detail retain interest initially, yet the deliberate pacing and restrained narrative can lessen subsequent appeal. Some viewers may revisit scenes for the central moral drama, but others might find the workmanlike execution limits its lasting intrigue. Overall, the rewatch factor is moderate, grounded more in character depth than in narrative dynamism.

Metacritic

58

Metascore

6.9

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

75%

TOMATOMETER

review

60%

User Score

IMDb

7.0 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

68

%

User Score

Movie Insider

1.00/5

From 1 fan rating

Take the Ultimate 13 Minutes Movie Quiz

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The Heroic Attempt: 13 Minutes Quiz: Test your knowledge about the historical events and characters in the movie '13 Minutes'.

What was the purpose of the bomb that Georg Elser planted?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for 13 Minutes

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Read the complete plot summary of 13 Minutes, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


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.

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for 13 Minutes

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13 MINUTES - UK Trailer

13 Minutes Official Trailer 1 (2017) - Christian Friedel Movie

13 Minutes Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


1930smunich germanyyear 1939year 1932assassination attemptmusiciancommunist party of germanycommunistextramarital affairinfidelitydachau concentration campyear 1923year 1945execution by hangingyear 1937newsreel footageyear 1929year 1934villagepregnancygestapojazz musicclockmakerwhippinggerman historyadolf hitler characterplot to kill hitlergerman resistancebombanti fascistnazi flagcyclingprayingtangocigarette smokingdivorcehusband wife relationshipabusive husbandbloodtorturealcoholiccasual sexsex sceneimplied sextelegramjealousydancingflashbackfilm projectorarchive footage
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