The Captain

German film makers never hold back when making WWII films. Somewhat similar to Der Untergang in setting and tone, Der Hauptmannis set against the dying Nazi empire and focuses on the depravity of fascists knowing their time has come whilst ensuring the humanisation of the characters rather falling on cinematic villainous tropes. The fact this too is a true story makes this a hard watch at times which is softened at times by either dark humour or even satire at points. While less cinematic in tone some of the shots of the end of the time in the camp and hotel are beautifully composed and clearly imitate renaissance style scenes. I feel films such as this are essential - the filler of American studios and the revisionism that they require are gone and instead a harrowing and necessary look at the realities of the Third Reichs cheyne-stokes and legacy. There’s a full absence of any allied forces throughout bar aircraft and artillery instead the detractors of Herold are instead the German Military authorities. It can’t be said those holding Herold to account have any moral conviction but instead show the chaos Germany found itself in even within Court martial proceedings