The historical documentary genre is one of the toughest to bring to the screen due to the immense research, availability of interviewees, obtainable film and news footage, resistance by those that may be personally affected by the visuals, and getting the various authorization or consent by a number of agencies as well. The film Final Account fits in this category and the production takes a stab at one of the most heinous acts of genocide in the 20th century. Billed as an urgent portrait of the last living generation of those that were part of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich, it’s a warning to which you should pay close attention.
The film features several men and women who were in Germany at the time of World War II. Very stirring and unconceivable most of the Germans interviewed had strong testimony on their part in the war and the genocide of the Jews, Gypsies, their enemy, the sick, feeble and others caught up in their heinous trek toward European domination.
In 2008, filmmaker Luke Holland embarked on a journey to find and interview witnesses to the crimes of the Third Reich. Those that spoke out gave reasons for their involvement including “it was the right thing to do”, and “I had no choice”. They tell their story from their childhood to the duties they carried out to advance the Nazi movement. Officers from the Waffen-SS military, the Death Heads who wore a skull emblem on their uniform, an accountant who worked in a submarine bunker, German Guards of concentration camps, and other German military are included in the film.
The hour and a half long documentary keeps you glued to the screen as comments are freely given mostly without remorse. Many of the comments are a warning that it was easy to be sucked in being taught the Nazi doctrine in primary school, joining the Hitler Youth movement, and through parents that were forced to join the Nazi Party out of fear. The Documentary covers a lot and with each layer it gets more and more cringing and diabolical.
Final Account has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for thematic material and some disturbing images. It opens in theaters May 21. Please check local listing for a theater near you. Do not miss this film (5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Directed by: Luke Holland
Genre: Documentary
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic material and some disturbing images
Running Time: 1 hr. 34 min.
Opening Date: May 21, 2021
Distributed by: Focus Features
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
