A testament of hope

Rating: 10/10 (12 August 2005)

Plot: In Tomainia during the war, a Jewish barber then soldier saves a general's life only to awake later in a hospital, suffering from amnesia. Now ready to go back to his civil life, he is totally unaware of the new situation for his people, the Jews: not only are they permanently persecuted, but also gathered in ghettos. Fast he experiences it, and he fortunately is protected by Schutz, a prominent dignitary of the militia. This does not last since Schutz is soon dismissed of his functions and hide at the barber's. Both end up arrested and sent to a concentration camp. Meanwhile, at the other side of the social ladder, tyrant Adenoid Hynkel  the perfect look-alike of the Jewish barber  is relentlessly directing his country to the war, and appease people's anger in balancing Jews persecution and the project of invading Osterlich. When he learns that Napoloni, the head of Bacteria, is also ready to invade Osterlich begins hard negotiation, which ultimately lead to sign an agreement not to invade this country, which of course Hynkel won't respect. But as he fishes near the concentration camp where the Jewish barber is arrested, Hayken is mistaken for the latter who had just escaped with Schutz and is sent to the concentration camp. As it is foreseeable, the Jewish barber is mistaken for Hayken and impersonates him under Schutz advices and authorizes Osterlich invasion. He is then to deliver a speech before 500 000 people, after his minister of propaganda's praise of dictatorship. It's with great emotion that his speech praises universal brotherhood, and humanity.
Comment: One of Chaplin's best movies. Maybe there are less laughs and more drama  especially with hindsight  but not less talent. Chaplin was way ahead of his time and shows genuine genius. Humor is never displaced in this masterpiece, ridiculing Hayken's hatred or the mocking the barber goofiness and innocence. More than a comedy, it's a testament of hope in human nature