Watch Eichmann

"Eichmann" is a historical drama film directed by Robert Young based on the true story of one of the most notorious Nazi war criminals in history, Adolf Eichmann. The movie, released in 2007, tells the story of the manhunt and capture of Eichmann by Israeli Mossad agents in 1960. The film begins with the opening statements of the trial of Adolf Eichmann in Jerusalem. The story then takes a flashback to the year 1956, when the Mossad decided to launch a mission to capture Eichmann, who was living under an assumed identity in Argentina. The mission was led by Peter Malkin, a Mossad agent with a personal vendetta against Eichmann because his sister and her children were killed in the Holocaust.

The team, consisting of Malkin (played by Avner W. Less), Rafi Eitan (played by Nicky Henson), Zvi Aharoni (played by Gidon Shemer), and a few others, formulate a plan to abduct Eichmann without drawing the attention of the Argentinian authorities or the Nazi sympathizers in the country. Malkin’s plan involves using Eichmann's love for his son as a way to lure him into a car and take him to a safe house.

The first half of the film depicts the team's struggle to get approval and funding for the mission. We also see some of the challenges they face in Argentina, including surveillance by the local police and German supporters, and Eichmann's reluctance to reveal his true identity. The second half of the movie focuses on the interrogation of Eichmann by Malkin, who tries to extract information about the Nazi's plan to exterminate the Jews.

The film's portrayal of Eichmann himself is questionable. Thomas Kretschmann plays the role of Eichmann as a man seemingly without remorse. He argues that he was only following orders and insists that he was not a monster but a bureaucrat, merely doing his job. Malkin, on the other hand, is depicted as a tortured soul, who has dedicated his life to avenging his sister's death. The movie attempts to explore the psychological toll of the Holocaust on the survivors and their families.

Aside from the main plot, the film also depicts some of the lesser-known histories of the Holocaust, including the collaboration of some local South American authorities with the Nazis and the establishment of a network of escape routes for ex-Nazis after the war.

One notable aspect of the movie is the use of black and white footage and still photographs from the time of the Holocaust, which adds a sense of authenticity to the story. The score, which is mostly composed of eerie strings and percussion, contributes to the film's tense and foreboding atmosphere.

Overall, "Eichmann" does a commendable job of portraying the history of the Holocaust while exploring the psychological implications for survivors and their families. The film's attention to detail and historical accuracy is evident throughout, making it a thought-provoking and compelling watch for those interested in history and true crime dramas.