Hitler And The Nazis: Evil On Trial Season 1 Review : This outstanding documentary meticulously chronicles the rise and fall of Hitler and the Nazi Party

Story: This docu-series explores Adolf Hitler's ascent to power and the eventual demise of the Nazi regime, delving deeply into the various factors that made him one of the most reviled figures in history.

Review: ‘Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial’ is an excellently researched documentary that offers a fresh perspective on Adolf Hitler's rise and fall. While much of the information is publicly available, this documentary excels in seamlessly compiling and presenting it to dissect one of the most malevolent figures in history. Featuring insights from researchers, historians, and authors specializing in Hitler and the World Wars, it provides a profound understanding of his mindset and the decisions leading to the Holocaust. This comprehensive documentary is best viewed over multiple sessions due to the wealth of information it offers. The inclusion of never-before-seen archival footage, captured by Hitler's long-time companion and photographer Eva Braun, as well as Hitler’s own propaganda team, makes it an exceptional watch.

With a runtime exceeding six hours, this documentary requires both time and attention as it meticulously chronicles Hitler's life. It starts with his father, who changed the family name from Schickelgruber to Hitler and follows Hitler’s early years in Vienna, where he struggled to make a living. Despite his artistic aspirations and attempts to gain admission to Vienna's prestigious art school, his inability to draw people led to rejection. We are also told that he led a hand-to-mouth existence for a brief period. The documentary highlights how Hitler was drawn to the antisemitism that was spreading in 19th century Europe and to the music of Richard Wagner. After establishing himself in Munich, and forming the German Workers' Party, Hitler began to build a reputation through his speeches. The narrative progresses through the lens of the Nuremberg trials and the writings of William L. Shirer, an American journalist who extensively covered both the Nazi regime and Nuremberg trials. Shirer's first-hand accounts and radio broadcasts kept the world informed about the events in Hitler’s Germany. Using voice recreation technology, Shirer's writings are brought to life in his own voice, providing a compelling and immersive experience.

The first episode focuses on Hitler's early life, while the second episode delves extensively into the rise of the Third Reich. Subsequent episodes cover his time in power and eventual downfall. The documentary also highlights the key figures who were instrumental in elevating Hitler to the pinnacle of power, including Heinrich Himmler, Joseph Goebbels, Hermann Göring, and others. It effectively argues that without the Great Depression in the United States, Adolf Hitler might never have come to power. The Nazi Party's electoral support surged from a mere 3% in 1928 to 18% in 1930, and by 1932, it had reached 37%, making it the largest party in Germany.

‘Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial’ also reveals that luck played a significant role in Hitler's ascent to the Chancellorship of Germany. President Hindenburg, who strongly disliked Hitler, was initially unwilling to appoint him as Chancellor despite his leadership of the largest political party. However, fortune intervened when Franz von Papen, seeking to ease the political crisis, struck a deal with Hitler: Hitler would become Chancellor, but with only a few Nazi Party leaders in the cabinet. This plan ultimately backfired. The series also covers two pivotal events: the ‘Night of the Long Knives’ and the ‘Night of Broken Glass,’ which significantly altered the trajectory of the Nazi Party. Another fascinating aspect of the documentary is its musical score. Much of the music featured in the series is derived from the compositions of Holocaust victims. For European Jews of that era, music served as an outlet for expression, often focusing on themes of survival and freedom.

This documentary is particularly relevant given the current political climate in certain countries, where parallels can be easily drawn. It excels in preserving the memory of Nazi atrocities and a sorrowful period in history. Viewers will also come to understand that Hitler was not the sole villain; politicians like Franz von Papen played crucial roles in his rise. This documentary is a must-watch for its insightful exploration and historical significance.