The life of Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) was the subject of numerous films. The themes are variable: from the childhood of the dictator to the effects of Nazism on German and world society.
Discover 6 movies here that tell details of the biography of one of the most controversial leaders in history.
1. The Triumph of the Will, Leni Riefenstahl (1934)
"The Triumph of the Will" is a documentary that was produced by Adolf Hitler himself and portrays the 6th Congress of the Nazi Party, held in Nuremberg, in 1934.
Directed by filmmaker and regime collaborator Leni Riefenstahl (1902-2003), the film shows the great Nazi concentrations, the fanaticism of the followers and the figure of Hitler as the undisputed leader. It's also a great example of how cinema was in the service of political propaganda.
2. The Face of the Führer, Jack Kinney (1943)
Animated short film produced by Disney Studios. In this cartoon, Donald Duck dreams that he lives in a society dominated by Nazism, where the face of Adolf Hitler is present everywhere.
In this way, the character has to be constantly alert to make the Nazi salute and not be disrespectful to the Fuhrer. Great for understanding how Nazi propaganda conquered German society and the US position in the conflict.
3. Hitler, a career, Joachim Fest & Christian Herrendoerfer (1977)
Written and co-directed by Hitler's leading biographer, German writer Joachim Fest (1926-2006), the film focuses on the dictator's childhood and youth.
In the same way, it runs through the creation of the National Socialist party, the electoral rise, to its leadership in Germany.
The film questions how Hitler's radicalization was possible based on the facts of his childhood and how his frustration was channeled into doing evil. Includes excerpts from speeches by top Nazi Party leaders and concentrations.
4. Hitler – The Rise of Evil, Christian Duguay (2003)
Interesting miniseries that dramatize the life of Adolf Hitler before becoming a political leader. Thus, we follow how the frustrated artist and ex-soldier comes into contact with the ideas of his time such as communism and fascism.
The script reviews the main facts of his trajectory such as the Munich Coup, or the elaboration of the book "My fight"where Hitler exposed his anti-Semitic ideas (against the Jews). All of this has as a backdrop the period between the world wars (1918-1939) and the growing political polarization of Germany.
5. Operation Valkyrie, Bryan Singer (2008)
Starring Tom Cruise, the film chronicles the planning and execution of an attempt on the life of Adolf Hitler, during the Second World War (1939-1945).
The script, based on real facts, shows the physical decay of the dictator and how part of the Armed Forces did not agree with the direction the conflict had taken.
6. Thirteen Minutes, Oliver Hirschbiegel (2015)
The story of carpenter Georg Elser (1903-1945) who planned and committed an attempt to kill Hitler on November 8, 1939, in the city of Munich. The film portrays the planning, capture and detention of Georg Elser at the hands of the Gestapo.
Despite having failed, the feat is considered an act of heroism and the figure of Georg Elser is honored with a monument in Berlin.
There are more texts and movie suggestions for you:
- 12 Movies about World War II
- Movies about the First World War
- Questions about World War II
- Aftermath of World War II
- Anti-Semitism
