The Man who Crossed Hitler
The Man who Crossed Hitler
| 21 August 2011 (USA)
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In the summer of 1931, with Germany on the brink of economic collapse, and the city of Berlin turning into a paramilitary war-zone, audacious young prosecutor Hans Litten (Stoppard) chose to summon a star witness to a trial of Nazi thugs. In spite of the risk to his own safety and against the advice of those who love him, Litten forced rising political star Adolf Hitler (Hart) to make a sensational appearance in the witness stand of Berlin's central criminal court. Litten aimed to expose the true character of Hitler and his politics to the German public, to reveal his hypocrisy and his violent ambitions, and in doing so, halt the electoral success of the Nazi Party. In a humiliating and hostile cross-examination, Hitler was forced to account for his political beliefs, his contempt for the law and his desire to destroy German democracy. For a brief moment, Hitler's political future was genuinely in the balance.

Reviews
Develiker

terrible... so disappointed.

Colibel

Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

GurlyIamBeach

Instant Favorite.

Wyatt

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

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benm-41751

Hitler on Trial (as this docudrama is called in North America) is a bit smart, a bit funny, a bit suspenseful, but also quite a bit dry. The first half especially feels like a stuffy attempt to dramatize the people shown, mainly by putting what they feel into the script instead of into the scene. For this part of the movie, the fact that the actors are painfully British and not at all German makes the film even harder to enjoy.As the titular intrigue begins, however, things become more suspenseful and engaging. With Hitler in the courtroom, the fact that the scene is played out by clearly British, English-speaking actors allows the English world to experience Hitler's rhetoric in a new way and try to imagine what it would be like to confront.What says a lot about this film is that the 1-hour documentary included on the DVD is exponentially more interesting and moving than the film itself. Nonetheless, Hitler on Trial makes a good effort to bring an often forgotten part of Nazi Germany's history - the time Hitler was confronted with his contradictions in court - to life.

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Christian Delev

This is a truly touching story about how Hans Litten, a German advocate fought against Adolf Hitler in the eyes of the German court. It can only give us a glimpse of the true horrors of the time, how words meant nothing to the blind eyes of justice. It is a truly thrilling movie, which ends with the very unexpected victory of Adolf Hitler, which eventually would lead to the Second World War and the deaths of thousands. The actor's play was touching to the viewer's heart and some might imagine their being in that courtroom, listening to Adolf Hitler's haranguing before everyone, his words enrapturing them to the extent of them turning into his mindless followers, Hans Litten's great arguments, which would eventually prove to be used in vain. I would show it to every politician, for it has more morals hidden behind it than meets the eyes. Hope you enjoy it!

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malcolmgsw

This was an intensely moving film about an almost unknown moment in history.When Hitler was challenged on his views in court.It just raised so many questions.How did a nation such as Germany think that by allowing this man power that they could tame him.How did they think that they think that they could show him up to be the crazed individual with murderous ambitions in court when the Judge was cowed by the nature of Hitler.All of the performances were impressive and this is a film that deserves constant repetition to show how tyranny can win if you don't stand up and fight.The ending was so poignant.One knew what the end would be as the attorney clearly had his card marked and Hitler was not the sort of man to forget a slight.You just end up wondering how and why it was allowed to happen.

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chantalb51

This film was shown on the BBC recently and I've always been keen on history and specially on why Hitler got to become Chancellor. This is based on a real story and you get an insight into Germany pre-WWII which explains a lot about the man but also the people who followed him. However it will still baffle you. After hearing Hitler's responses in court one could only doubt the intelligence and rationale of this man. Unfortunately we all know what happened next. This is the story of a courageous man who wanted to fight for tolerance and got to subpoenaed Hitler to do so. Quite an impressive feat. The acting is very good, from the judge down to the prosecutor but specially the actor portraying Hitler. Well worth watching. The BBC films never disappoint.

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