Movie spotlight
What Our Fathers Did: A Nazi Legacy
Can you imagine what it means to grow up as the child of a mass murderer? Hans Frank and Otto von Wächter were indicted as war criminals for their roles in WWII. Nazi Governors and consultants to Hitler himself, the two are collectively responsible for thousands of deaths. But what stood out to Philippe Sands were the impressions they left on their sons. While researching the Nuremberg trials, the human rights lawyer came across two men who re-focused his studies: Niklas Frank and Horst von Wächter. The men hold polar opposite views on the men who raised them.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the complex and disturbing legacy of Nazism by exploring the lives and beliefs of the adult children of high-ranking Nazi officials. It examines how these individuals grapple with their parents' actions and the enduring impact of their inherited past. The film features interviews with individuals whose fathers were involved in horrific war crimes, including Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and SS officer Heinrich Himmler.
Critical Reception
The documentary received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who often highlighted its sensitive exploration of difficult themes and the complex psychological landscapes of the subjects. While some praised its bravery in tackling such sensitive subject matter, others found it to be somewhat unengaging or lacking a definitive conclusion.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its unflinching look at the children of Nazis and their inherited guilt.
Some critics noted a lack of narrative drive or a clear point of view.
Recognized for its sensitive handling of deeply disturbing historical material.
Google audience: Audience reviews are not widely available for this specific documentary.
Fun Fact
The documentary features interviews with Brigitte Höss, the daughter of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss, and Gudrun Himmler, the daughter of SS chief Heinrich Himmler, offering direct insights into the families of some of history's most reviled figures.
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