BruceUllm It's remarkable how timely this 14-yr-old movie is. If you just imagine Hitler inveighing against the "Muslims" instead of the "Jews", you have Donald Trump. Also a bit scary. I am also struck by how imprecise Hitler was about how he planned to "make Germany great again". We, of course, found out how he went about that. Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.The accompanying documentary about the making of the TV miniseries is very enlightening as well. I recognized Ocean Ave. in Santa Monica before the narrator identified it. The angst that the network had over such material was certainly understandable. The last thing you want to do is make Adolph Hitler appear sympathetic!

wirrack Since I no longer expect or believe Hollywood has the capacity to make historically accurate films, I will leave this one's many factual gaffes alone.This is a good effort at covering a touchy subject -- my rating reflects only my estimation of the film's entertainment value. The filmmakers were bold to hint at Rohm's and the S.A. leadership's homosexuality (even the rumors about Hitler) and the part their lifestyles played in creating tensions between Hitler and President Hindenburg.I liked that this film was shown in black and white (whether or not it was released that way). The graininess and gray-tones served as a visual reminder that these events transpired long ago, albeit during a time when color film already existed.The most interesting portrayal of course was the title role; I was not familiar with this actor prior to today. I do think it was a mistake to portray Hitler as a robotic maniac, rather than as a sick human being (which he was). This is, of course, the politically correct but intellectually lazy view. It is essential for students of history, politics and warfare to see Hitler as human in order to learn any lessons about how to prevent the rise of future leaders like him. The actual Hitler often showed glimmers of his humanity from beneath his hatred, bitterness and cruelty.All in all, not a bad, but certainly not a great film.

Vincent_TheGreat Wow, this is complete garbage... I sat down to watch this ready to see some piece of history come to life. WRONG! This movie is so inaccurate it becomes harder and harder to like... The movie is over the top and the character of Hitler is wrong.. the Acting is fine, but the details are awful.Like someone else said, nobody would follow this Hitler. While it is common knowledge that many experts considered him some what of a lunatic, this was not the case early on. Yes he was vocal, yes he was hateful, but not to the degree they show him in this film... because it can hardly be called a documentary.Very disappointed, I don't watch documentaries for a neat story, I watch them to see History come to life... If your a history buff and looking for some exciting history piece, this is not that piece.

wvisser-leusden "Hitler, the rise of Evil" is clearly produced by people emotionally unburdened by the horrors of World War 2. Which makes watching a refreshing experience.I think its greatest value lies in its crystal clear revealing of the Nazi-mechanism. Of the utterly corrupt ways Hitler used to make it to the top. Having arrived there, this film ends.When on top, the 'Fuhrer' (= German for 'leader') led his Germany to the biggest & most devastating war in history of mankind. Ending six years later in Germany's utter defeat. As a result, Germany lost its eastern provinces (= about 35% of its prewar soil), and was forced to accept a 44 year-split of its remaining territory. Both West and East Germany had to be rebuilt from scrap, their reputations severely damaged by the many Nazi-atrocities inspired by racism.As I said, "Hitler, the rise of Evil" makes an good watch. Set in an acceptable thirties-environment, with (more than) competent acting. In particular Peter O'Toole's role as the aged president von Hindenburg stands out, even adds an extra dimension.My copy of "Hitler, the rise of Evil" also provides a second DVD with two good documentary films. One is about Hitler's personality, the second deals with the forgery of the Hitler-diaries. In 1983 this forgery caused a hilarious scandal in England and Germany, damaging the reputations of several historians and journalists.