In a fortified, explosion-proof bunker of the German Federal Archives Vault, 2000 film reels made of celluloid and the highly flammable nitrocellulose, stay protected and meticulously organised in two rows of 1000 reels each. They are the silent witnesses of a bygone era when more than 1200 films were produced under the Nazi regime, depicting a wide array of diverse topics ranging from chest-thumping musicals to anti-Semitic propaganda and melodramas about euthanasia itself. Up to the present time, in Germany, there still exists an ongoing censorship for about 40 films of the Third Reich that were made under the supervision of Joseph Goebbels’ ministry of propaganda. Even though some can be concerned as absurd and blatant in our modern societies, they are deemed as dangerous and can be viewed only in special screenings under the presence of an expert, because they can still establish stereotypes to unaware audiences. Without a single doubt, some of those films are actually very well made, yet, disturbingly effective with their minute hints and insinuations cleverly hidden throughout the movie, proving Goebbels’ belief that film not only is the means to educate the youth but also the most important part of propaganda. With the help of distinct experts and German film historians, this documentary attempts to provide its viewers with enough stimuli on the debate about the controversial subject of censorship as well as the inner conflict about where one draws the line on such a delicate matter. |
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Ratings: | IMDB: 6.7/10 | |
Released: | March 6, 2014 | |
Runtime: | 94 min | |
Genres: | Documentary | |
Companies: | Zeitgeist Films ARTE Blueprint Film RBB HR | |
Cast: | Hans Albers Elise Aulinger Berta Drews Götz Aly | |
Crew: | Felix Moeller | |
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