Hitler: The Rise of Evil

The 2003 biographical drama film, Hitler: The Rise of Evil, dives deep into the early life of Adolf Hitler and his journey towards becoming the infamous dictator of Nazi Germany. The film's cast includes Peter Stormare as Ernst Hanfstaengl, a close friend of Hitler's, Friedrich von Thun as General Erich Ludendorff, and Peter O'Toole as President Paul von Hindenburg.

The movie begins with the depiction of the events of the Treaty of Versailles which ended World War I, and how it led to widespread poverty and political unrest in Germany. It showcases the social and political mood in Germany in the 1920s, and how Hitler's charismatic personality and anti-Semitic views helped him gain popularity. The movie depicts Hitler's early life as a struggling artist and his introduction to politics which leads to his initial involvement with the German Workers' Party (later known as the Nazi Party).

Throughout the film, Hitler is portrayed to be a failed artist and a lonely individual who seeks recognition and power. He is shown to be an enigmatic speaker who can galvanize the crowds with his speeches. The movie builds up to Hitler's eventual rise to power as the leader of Nazi Germany after Hindenburg appoints him as the Chancellor in 1933.

One of the central themes of the movie is the importance of propaganda in shaping public opinion. The film shows how Hitler used propaganda to demonize the Jewish people and convince the German public that they were responsible for their problems. The movie also depicts how the Nazis used violence and intimidation to silence any opposition.

The film heavily features the character of Ernst Hanfstaengl, one of Hitler's early allies who later falls out of grace with the dictator. Hanfstaengl, also known as "Putzi," is portrayed as a peacemaker who tries to temper Hitler's more violent tendencies. His character provides insight into the inner workings of the Nazi party and Hitler's rise to power.

The movie also showcases the role of other leading members of the Nazi party, including Joseph Goebbels and Heinrich Himmler. Goebbels, played by Ulrich Noethen, is depicted as the mastermind behind the Nazi propaganda machine, while Himmler, played by Chris Larkin, is portrayed as the ruthless enforcer of Hitler's policies.

Peter O'Toole's role as President Paul von Hindenburg is also prominent in the movie. The film shows how Hindenburg reluctantly appoints Hitler as the Chancellor of Germany after failing to form a stable government. It also depicts Hindenburg's declining health and how it allowed Hitler to consolidate his power and become the dictator of Germany.

Overall, Hitler: The Rise of Evil is a well-crafted movie that offers insight into the early life of one of the most infamous dictators in history. It showcases the social and political conditions that led to Hitler's rise to power and highlights the role of propaganda, violence, and intimidation in shaping public opinion. The film's excellent cast and accurate historical portrayal make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of Nazi Germany.