Watch The Odessa File

The Odessa File is a historical thriller movie from 1974 that tells the story of a young German reporter, Peter Miller (played by Jon Voight), who discovers the diary of a recently deceased Jewish Holocaust survivor in a file left behind. The diary contains information that leads him to investigate the true identity of a former SS concentration camp commander, Eduard Roschmann (played by Maximilian Schell), who is believed to be living in hiding in Germany under a new identity. The film is based on the novel of the same name by author Frederick Forsyth.

The story takes place in Hamburg, Germany, in 1963, and follows Peter Miller's obsessive journey as he tracks down every lead and piece of evidence that could potentially lead him to uncovering Roschmann's true identity. He goes on a dangerous and emotional journey, encountering several obstacles along the way, including members of the Odessa, a secret organization of former Nazi SS officers who aim to protect and support fugitive war criminals. As Peter digs deeper into Roschmann's background, he realizes that his search goes beyond finding just one man, but rather uncovers a startling discovery that links back to the atrocities of the Holocaust and the unsettling truths of Germany's past.

The movie portrays the political and social climate of Germany in the early 1960s, with its citizens trying to forget about the horrific events of the past and move on with their lives, while some former SS officers attempt to cover up their crimes and avoid punishment. Jon Voight delivers a convincing performance as the determined journalist who is willing to risk his life to expose the truth, while Maximilian Schell portrays the cold and calculating former Nazi officer with chilling precision. Maria Schell also gives a memorable performance as a Holocaust survivor who guides Peter along his journey and serves as a moral compass in his quest for justice.

The film's director, Ronald Neame, creates a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the audience engaged in the story, with several twists and turns that keep them guessing until the final reveal. The cinematography is also worth mentioning, with the use of muted colors and shadows adding to the film's somber and serious mood.

Overall, The Odessa File is a thought-provoking and tense thriller that raises important questions about genocide, justice, and the relevance of uncovering the truth decades after the events. It serves as a reminder of the horrors of the past and the need to confront the difficult truths of history in order to move forward.

The Odessa File is a 1974 thriller with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.