Here we have a 24-minute (I read that it was much longer, but most of it is lost) black-and-white documentary from 1944 Germany. If you have a bit knowledge about history, you will know what was going on at that time. The writer and director is Kurt Gerron, a prolific filmmaker and actor in the first half of the 20th century in Germany. This is his last work and he was forced to do it by the Nazis. It takes place entirely at a concentration camp and depicts its inmates from start to finish. This film was the Nazi party's attempt to make it look as if life in concentration camps was not all bad for Jews. They are shown smiling and joking around. They play football in their free time or make music. It is such an unreal experience knowing that basically everybody in this video (including the children and Gerron himself) were murdered in gas chambers in the weeks after this was made. This film is possibly the best example of how National Socialists were adjusting the truth for their despicable intentions.
Now, after I wrote this, you probably wonder why would I give it such a high rating. The answer is very simple. Even with all the tragedy surrounding it, this is a priceless piece of filmmaking and a historic document that is absolutely unique. Would less people have died if this hasn't been made? Absolutely not. These 24 minutes give us a unique insight into the mind of National Socialism and that is why I highly recommend watching this to everybody with an interest in 20th century history. But be aware: Don't do it if you cannot deal with the contents depicted in here. Finally, let me recommend you "Prisoner of Paradise" as well. I have not yet gotten a chance to watch it, but it has a pretty good rating on IMDb and this Oscar-nominated documentary from 2002 is about the life of Kurt Gerron and there is certainly a lot to learn from it. If you get your hands on it, give it a go.
Now, after I wrote this, you probably wonder why would I give it such a high rating. The answer is very simple. Even with all the tragedy surrounding it, this is a priceless piece of filmmaking and a historic document that is absolutely unique. Would less people have died if this hasn't been made? Absolutely not. These 24 minutes give us a unique insight into the mind of National Socialism and that is why I highly recommend watching this to everybody with an interest in 20th century history. But be aware: Don't do it if you cannot deal with the contents depicted in here. Finally, let me recommend you "Prisoner of Paradise" as well. I have not yet gotten a chance to watch it, but it has a pretty good rating on IMDb and this Oscar-nominated documentary from 2002 is about the life of Kurt Gerron and there is certainly a lot to learn from it. If you get your hands on it, give it a go.