In 1938, Goebbels is at the height of his power for the time being, while Hitler is celebrated by the people. The dictator now marches resolutely towards war. However, the propaganda has put a lot of strain on the subject of peace, so that a sudden change of direction is not possible so quickly. Goebbels' work comes under heavy criticism from his Führer and he does everything he can to restore his reputation and stir up the population's enthusiasm for the war. He triggers the pogrom of 9 November 1938 and plans anti-Semitic films, the realization of which Hitler intervenes in every detail. An almost perfect and controlled staging succeeded, especially in connection with large mass events. The highlight was the victory parade after the capitulation of France, which was planned down to the last detail. In 1941, Goebbels was back at the helm with Hitler. The war really begins for Hitler with the "Russian campaign" and the mass murders reach their climax. (Kinocheck)

 

FBW press release

The rise of Joseph Goebbels as propaganda chief of the Third Reich, told as a mixture of documentary and fictional re-enactment. A well-prepared film that cleverly and sensitively embeds its difficult narrative perspective in the right context.

(...)

Joachim A. Lang sets a clear goal with his film - which is made clear right at the beginning with a disclaimer: To also "expose the agitators of today" through what was shown back then. A goal that the film undoubtedly achieves.

 

Jury statement

Rating particularly valuable

(...)

Although the outcome of Goebbels' story is known, we follow the events with shock and fascination. The cinematic design, in particular the editing, the transitions between the many levels, the sound design, such as the repetition of the original dialogues following the dialogues, as well as the restrained use of music, are very successful. Everything serves to expose the agitators of the past and present.

 

"A stirring movie about the power of manipulation" The Guardian

"Exciting - captivating - intelligent" Le Figaro

"A masterpiece" Charlotte Knobloch

 

The soundtrack to the film will be available on all popular streaming platforms from 03.07.2024!

Director: Joachim A. Lang
With Robert Stadlober, Fritz Karl, Franziska Weisz and others
Channel: Kino
Year: 2024
Produktion company: Zeitsprung Pictures (Produzenten: Till Derenbach und Michael Souvignier) in Kooperation mit dem SWR (Sandra Dujmovic), Maya spol.s.r.o. und Act/HQ (Andreas Fröhlich)