Watch Hitler's SS: Portrait of Evil

Hitler's SS: Portrait of Evil is a made-for-television drama film that aired in 1985. The movie stars John Shea and Bill Nighy in the lead roles. Directed by Jim Goddard, this movie portrays the story of a young German man, Helmut, who joins the Nazi SS to climb the ladder of success in Hitler's regime. However, as he rises in the ranks, he slowly realizes the moral repercussions of his actions and the atrocities committed by the Nazi party.

The plot of the movie revolves around Helmut, a young man from a wealthy background who joins the Nazi SS with the aim of advancing his career prospects. The movie provides an insight into the experience of German youth in the early stages of the Nazi regime. The propaganda techniques employed by the Nazi party are portrayed in a realistic and frightening fashion, showing how the Nazi ideology was incorporated into every aspect of German life. Helmut's family background, education, and social status are exploited by his Nazi superiors, who use him as a means to gain access to the highest echelons of the German government.

As Helmut is promoted, he becomes more and more embroiled in the realities of the Nazi regime. He becomes aware of the brutality and inhumanity of the system that he is a part of. Helmut is initially reluctant to take part in the brutal treatment of Jews and other minorities, but as he is drawn further into the regime, he is forced to confront his own morality. The movie portrays the psychological pressure that is exerted on individuals who are under the grip of the Nazi regime.

The movie also focuses on the relationship between Helmut and his childhood friend, Fritz. Fritz is a member of the German resistance, and his attempts to persuade Helmut to join the resistance form a significant subplot in the movie. The contrast between the two friends' paths highlights the moral conflict that was present in German society during the Nazi era.

Bill Nighy's performance as Helmut's SS superior is another highlight of the movie. His portrayal of the brutal, ruthless and cunning officer is spot on. Nighy excels in the role of a 'true believer' of the Nazi ideology, who is willing to do anything to ensure that his mission is accomplished. The nuances of his character's psyche are well-depicted, creating a more nuanced and realistic image of a Nazi officer than is often portrayed.

John Shea as Helmut delivers an effective performance, showing the intense emotional turmoil his character experiences as he is drawn into the Nazi regime. While his character's behavior can be seen as moralistic at times, Shea's acting captures the fragile state of mind of a person forced to participate in a system directly at odds with his core values.

Overall, Hitler's SS: Portrait of Evil is an engaging, yet chilling account of the early stages of the Nazi regime. The movie doesn't mince its wording, and its unambiguous portrayal of horrendous events and the systemic human rights violations that occurred in Germany during the regime's tenure is commendable. The movie is well-researched, with accurate portrayals of the various social, economic, and ideological factors that swayed the German populace. The movie also depicts the exacting psychological pressures that were exerted on individuals, providing insight into the circumstances that created the SS, along with other lethal elements of the regime. Whether you're a historian or a layman, interested in World War II or not, Hitler's SS: Portrait of Evil is an informative and thought-provoking film that's worth a watch.

Hitler's SS: Portrait of Evil is a 1985 action movie with a runtime of 57 minutes.