Rudolph Hoss, his wife and children live in a nice house with a much beloved garden and have tried to develop a happy life together. However, behind the property's high wall is the extermination camp of Auschwitz where thousands of Jews are being murdered each day and which Hoss is the commandant of. This family contentment is shattered somewhat when Hoss is promoted and must move away.
A difficult film to fully get to grips with. Yes it is well made and acted and whilst you really don't see any actual atrocities there is a deep and palpable tension throughout the run time. That said the film's focus is on the family, their meals, kid's bedtime etc and yes, whilst the comparison with what's going on on the other side of the wall is clear, it must be said that not much happens. There are also a number of 'arty' elements here with black and red screens and night vision scenes of a young girl hiding food for the prisoners, none of which I really cared for.
The most intriguing element of the film is the sound. Aside from soundtrack noises there is a constant noise coming from the camp which the family are used to - screaming, gunshots and occasionally explicit orders and actions. All this is quite harrowing as is the day to day business of mass slaughter, seen as a necessary job of work for the Fatherland. Overall then a troubling but convincing watch, I just yearned for a bit more story if I'm honest.
A difficult film to fully get to grips with. Yes it is well made and acted and whilst you really don't see any actual atrocities there is a deep and palpable tension throughout the run time. That said the film's focus is on the family, their meals, kid's bedtime etc and yes, whilst the comparison with what's going on on the other side of the wall is clear, it must be said that not much happens. There are also a number of 'arty' elements here with black and red screens and night vision scenes of a young girl hiding food for the prisoners, none of which I really cared for.
The most intriguing element of the film is the sound. Aside from soundtrack noises there is a constant noise coming from the camp which the family are used to - screaming, gunshots and occasionally explicit orders and actions. All this is quite harrowing as is the day to day business of mass slaughter, seen as a necessary job of work for the Fatherland. Overall then a troubling but convincing watch, I just yearned for a bit more story if I'm honest.