A surprisingly sympathetic portrayal of Nazis

Rating: 6/10 (31 May 2006)

This movie focuses on the human side of the Nazis as if to say, "they're not all bad." Hitler, though maniacal, is very brave and is kind and gentle in private. Though he's tough and ruthless with his generals, it's at least in part because they lied to him and because he does not want to admit defeat. Besides he's ruthless with himself, too. No wonder Eva Braun loves him unconditionally. He's really quite ethical, and had dreams of building a better society.
His generals are a mixed bag. A couple are monsters, but most are simply fiercely loyal. Some are more concerned with saving civilians in the cities than with waging a last desperate battle. I never knew how compassionate some of the Nazi leaders were. A few stand up to Hitler, and or even ignore his orders in the name of humanity.
One comes away from this movie realizing that Hitler and his generals had a great vision and were truly willing to die for their principles. These were courageous people. As far as the Jews, gypsies, and gays who were murdered by the Nazis, there are a couple of lines about the Jews, but other than that, those crimes were clearly not worth mentioning, lest they cloud the human side of Nazi-ism.
If you feel the Nazis have been treated unfairly by history, I think you will enjoy this movie. If you are unfamiliar with the atrocities of the Nazis, you will find this movie a truly sympathetic portrait. The only reason I gave it a 6 and not lower is because the acting is very good and the story is well told. Most people (hopefully) will find this movie offensive.