At times, the character is Adolf Eichmann, brilliantly played by veteran British actor Alfred Burke, seems to be breaking down in tears when he is being questioned after his kidnapping. But it's obvious that the only reason why he has tears is because his 15-year period in hiding has come to an end and he knows that justice will be served even though he feels he was justified in his war crimes. Coming the year after "The Boys from Brazil" indicated a hint that Dr. Josef Mengele had been found, this TV movie is based on the truth, and there is a completely different feeling of justice when you know that.
A terrific ensemble cast of international actors play a variety of parts, from Topol and Martin Balsam as the heads of the investigation into Eichmann's whereabouts, Nick Mancuso, Leo McKern and Janet Suzman as others on the team, and Charles Gray as a German general whom Eichmann has kept in touch with. When the kidnapping occurs, Gray shows his Nazi brutality has not disappear by striking Eichmann's son who doesn't seem interesting in helping his agenda any further, only concerned about the whereabouts of his father.
A gripping historical drama filled with many emotions, this is brilliantly written and directed and fascinating if often bittersweet because of the past references which are discussed. Eichmann, with eyes covered, here seems willing to tell everything, matter of factly and with little emotion. A chocolate for the children and a Strauss waltz for the women at the gas chambers certainly won't be enough to save his life (or soul), as evidenced on the pain in Topol's eyes as he listens to him. There's no sugarcoating this story, and while death doesn't bring back the lives lost, at least this shows that justice in one way or another can on occasion be served.
A terrific ensemble cast of international actors play a variety of parts, from Topol and Martin Balsam as the heads of the investigation into Eichmann's whereabouts, Nick Mancuso, Leo McKern and Janet Suzman as others on the team, and Charles Gray as a German general whom Eichmann has kept in touch with. When the kidnapping occurs, Gray shows his Nazi brutality has not disappear by striking Eichmann's son who doesn't seem interesting in helping his agenda any further, only concerned about the whereabouts of his father.
A gripping historical drama filled with many emotions, this is brilliantly written and directed and fascinating if often bittersweet because of the past references which are discussed. Eichmann, with eyes covered, here seems willing to tell everything, matter of factly and with little emotion. A chocolate for the children and a Strauss waltz for the women at the gas chambers certainly won't be enough to save his life (or soul), as evidenced on the pain in Topol's eyes as he listens to him. There's no sugarcoating this story, and while death doesn't bring back the lives lost, at least this shows that justice in one way or another can on occasion be served.