Product: Anti-Nazi Classics, Vol. 2
Rating: 5.0
Another Important And Powerful Set Of German Classics
When the first DVD compilation of these "Classics" arrived in June, I was pretty excited by the films included in the mix. Just from a historical perspective, that set boasted two essential movies: "Naked Among Wolves" (the first German film to deal directly with life inside a concentration camp) and "The Murderers Are Among Us" (the first feature film produced in post-war Germany). With "I Was Nineteen" and "The Gleiwitz Case," the set was as solid and noteworthy as could be. I was decidedly less familiar with he titles included in Volume Two and slightly more skeptical of the classic label being bandied about--but, I must say, I am pleasantly surprised by the quality of the films included. Three of the pieces are incredibly strong and hold up well today and the remaining film is an eclectic mix of post-war recriminations and Cold War propaganda. If interested in the topic, I would consider this another winning collection. I wish the quality of the prints had been stepped up from their initial DVD releases because they leave a lot to be desired, but I'm just happy to have the films on DVD at all.The Adventures of Werner Holt (5 Stars): A big and bold personal epic, I was not familiar with "The Adventures of Werner Holt" prior to viewing the film. It is an ambitious character piece that really stands as an excellent anti-war classic of disillusionment. At almost three hours, it is a sometimes harrowing story of a boy and his best friend being conscripted into the army at seventeen. Told in flashback as the war comes to an end with the Reich's last stand against the advancing Russians looking more and more futile, the film shows just how our heroes got into such a predicament. From innocence, to youthful patriotism, to painful realizations--at what point does loyalty give way to weightier moral decisions? Or does it ever?Headlined by a winning, and surprisingly multifaceted, Klaus-Peter Thiele--this film really tells a fully rounded story and is one of the most complex and mature character pieces that you're likely to find from the era. In addition to its incredible story, the film is also masterful in its technique with great camera work and effects. Lots of films aspire to be epic, this one really is.The Axe of Wandsbek (4 1/2 Stars): Adopted from the novel by Arnold Zweig, "The Axe of Wandsbek" is at heart an upscale soap opera. I don't mean that negatively for this film really got under my skin with its blend of history, moral posturing, and personal tragedy. The film opens with a multitude of characters, each with a separate agenda. Four wrongly prosecuted political prisoners face execution, and the act needs to happen expediently to lure incumbent dignitaries to visit Hamburg. A local butcher in dire financial straits is coerced to do his patriotic duty by an unscrupulous party member. Keeping the act secret, the man and his wife see things start to turn around--but secrets can't be kept forever. As news of the deed start to circulate, the couple must face the ethical weight of the decision, its impact on their neighborhood, and deal with the reality of a world collapsing around them.The film was pulled from its initial release in 1951 by the Cultural Ministry as it elicited sympathy for the central character. It was reedited in 1962 minus a pivotal end scene, and it wasn't until the early eighties when a full print was restored. Fascinating and disturbing, I found a lot of merit in this one.Rotation (4 Stars): 1949's "Rotation" might be one of the most powerful films to rely on straightforward and non-showy narrative technique. It achieves much through its simplicity, oftentimes just advancing through the years and allowing the viewer to make necessary interpretations for themselves. The film covers twenty years in the life of one family from before the war to its aftermath. In just showing bits and pieces as the world evolves around the family, the 80 minute movie seems very fresh and different and covers a surprising amount of territory. Although sad and painful, I admired the level tone which lets actions speak louder than words.Lacking moralizing and overt politicizing, the film simply is what it is. And because it doesn't preach and posture, its emotional impact is all the greater. In many ways, its sheer simplicity makes it one of the most affecting and memorable movies about the war that I've seen.Council of The Gods (3 Stars): A curious film, "Council of the Gods" asserts that it uses actual testimony from Nuremberg to support its tale of political machinations, international greed and ruthless business practices. The film charts a span of twelve years and focuses on the scientists that worked within a big chemical corporation to devise the products necessary for the Final Solution. Told largely through the eyes of one man and his family, the film indicts the wealthy elite who manipulated the innocent worker in the quest for financial gain. It's a bold film, to be sure, as it also paints Americans and capitalism in general as unlikely allies in this avarice and disregard for human life.While the film does have factual basis, it was made in conjunction with the Russian film industry and its propagandistic slant is all too apparent (but still intriguing). The film's central themes include the evils of corporations, the nobility of the labor parties, and the goodness of Communism. It's so heavy handed, and so single minded, you can't really take it seriously as drama or truth. The end of the film, in fact, evolves into an outright rant against capitalism. Historically interesting for its perspective, whether it qualifies as entertainment for modern audiences may be up for debate. KGHarris, 10/11.