Hitler: The Rise of Evil

Directed by: Christian Duguay
(2003)

I have never seen a man who is so charismatic and appealing until we've watched Hitler: The Rise of Evil in class. It basically focuses on how Adolf Hitler, who is just a typical German, rose to power through the use of his own charisma and knowledge. Since the film's quite new (2003), the audio and visual effects of the film are clear and superb. 

In the earlier parts of the movie wherein Hitler's still a child and a teenager, he already shows motivation in making a change. He joined the military and luckily, didn't get extremely harmed and wounded. His own personal vision of "eradicating" the Jews in Germany was his inspiration and motivation in gathering up the Germans. Hitler's aggressiveness is very evident during his speeches and every time he talks to someone. At first, no one wants to listen to him but upon hearing his very charismatic and powerful speeches, people learned to love listening to him. He eventually gained a lot of followers and supporters, including powerful capitalists in Germany, who helped him in his journey in promoting the National Socialist Movement. He was admired by many yet I found him so intimidating. I even had goosebumps every time I heard his speeches. But at the end of the film, I was so sure that what brought this "typical German" into power is his own self [and of course with the help and support of German capitalists]. Hitler could have been one of the greatest leaders of all time but he turned tables since he initiated the Second World War which led to the death of millions of people across the globe. MILLIONS of innocent lives were taken. I have to pinpoint a scene in the film wherein Hitler was given VIP treatment while he was in prison [as a matter of fact, he doesn't seem to be in jail at all]. This is not new in our eyes for many, if not all, politicians were actually given special treatment while they're in jail [which is also evident in Iginuhit ng Tadhana when Marcos was sent to jail yet he refused to be given a special treatment "daw"]. They don't get to experience what other "criminals" are experiencing in jail such as living in untidy and disgusting prison cells, eating less, sleeping in the floor, etc. They are even given TV sets which could entertain them. This is just one side of INEQUALITY which is evident until the present times. Moreover, the film also showcased Hitler's desire to women and children. His own niece is not even an exception to the rule. The Beer Hall in Germany where almost all of Hitler's speeches are delivered is very significant because this is where he was able to gather and gain followers and supporters. This is where he impressed people. And this is where he exposed his hatred for the Jews [by the way, it is not the fault of the Jews if they are born Jews, just saying], which is the main reason of his movement.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

-Edmund Burke

I couldn't agree more with Sir Edmund Burke's statement. If people would just do nothing, evil is more likely to succeed and overcome. People have to do something in order to prevent evil from rising. More often than not, people are scared to compete against evil because they are afraid that they might lose. But what makes evil succeed is the apathy of people and this should not be the case.

RATING:

Sources: 

http://www.cbs.com/specials/rise_of_evil/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmgamku-TbE&feature=related