Prosecuting Evil: The Extraordinary World of Ben Ferencz

Prosecuting Evil: The Extraordinary World of Ben Ferencz is a riveting documentary film that offers a deep dive into the life and career of one of the most significant figures in international law, Benjamin Ferencz. Benjamin Ferencz, alongside Christian Wenaweser, David Scheffer, Alan Dershowitz, and his own son Don Ferencz, provide firsthand accounts and experiences of the extraordinary world of Ferencz.

Born on March 11, 1920, Benjamin Berell Ferencz is an American lawyer, often recognized as one of the instrumental forces behind the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, Ferencz is most known for his role as the chief prosecutor for the United States in the Einsatzgruppen Trial – one of the twelve military trials held by U.S. authorities in Nuremberg, Germany after World War II. Prosecuting Evil takes audiences on a journey through history, highlighting Ferencz’s remarkable prosecutorial career, his work on war crimes, and his unyielding commitment towards achieving global peace and justice.

At the center of this inspiring documentary is the indomitable spirit of Ferencz. From humble beginnings as a son of Romanian Jewish immigrants, impoverished childhood in New York to becoming a Harvard Law School graduate and doing post-war legal work on General Patton's staff, Ferencz's life is the very definition of the American dream. The film effectively dramatizes Ferencz's life, sketching a portrait of a man possessed of an unwavering sense of justice, resilience, and astounding humanity.

In Prosecuting Evil, this highly esteemed and compassionate courtroom crusader recounts his firsthand experiences of the horrors of Nazi concentration camps as a US Army soldier. It is Ferencz’s haunting memories of the atrocities he witnessed during WWII that fueled his pursuit for international justice and human rights.

One potential climactic point in the film is when Ferencz at mere age 27, steps into his role as a Chief Prosecutor in the Nuremberg Trials. In an unprecedented show of idealism and fortitude, the young lawyer presented to the international judiciary a case against 22 Nazi officers, who were responsible for the murders of over a million innocent people. The film does an exceptional job of capturing the power of the Nuremberg Trial, primarily due to Ferencz's impassioned perspective and his unique ability to succinctly express profound insights regarding justice, equity, and human rights.

However, the documentary does not stop at Ferencz's work as a prosecutor. It further delves into his pivotal role in the campaign for the establishment and recognition of the International Criminal Court. It showcases his ongoing fight for peace, revealing his faith in the law as a means to achieve it. Furthermore, the film imparts a sense of urgency concerning current global inequalities and injustices, reminding viewers of Ferencz's pertinent caution when he famously stated, "It takes courage not to be discouraged."

Other legal luminaries such as Christian Wenaweser, David Scheffer, Alan Dershowitz, and his son Don Ferencz further enrich this documentary, providing nuanced perspectives on Ferencz’s work and legacy. These perspectives, presented in the form of interviews, lend deeper understanding and context to the extraordinary world of Ben Ferencz.

In an era where "justice" is often questioned and doubted, Prosecuting Evil: The Extraordinary World of Ben Ferencz emerges as a compelling beacon of hope and a tribute to one man’s relentless pursuit for peace. Both thought-provoking and deeply affecting, the film constructs a powerful portrayal of a man who believes, wholeheartedly, that a more humane world is achievable through law and justice.

With its rich content, riveting narrative structure, and impressive storytelling, Prosecuting Evil leaves its audiences captivated, impressed, and inspired. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, international law, humanitarian issues or simply in pursuit of an inspiring true story about one man's lifelong dedication to global peace and justice.