Watch Apocalypse: The Second World War

Apocalypse: The Second World War is a six-part documentary series that chronicles the events of World War II from its inception to its conclusion. The series combines rare footage, photographs, and testimonies from both soldiers and civilians in order to give an authentic and comprehensive portrayal of one of the most catastrophic events in human history.

The series is narrated by Mathieu Kassovitz and Martin Sheen, with the latter providing the English-language version of the series. Throughout the episodes, viewers are taken on a journey through the major events and battles of the war, as well as the political and social implications of the war on the world at large.

The documentary opens with the rise of fascist dictatorships in Europe and the Japanese Empire's expansion into Southeast Asia. As the series progresses, the viewer is transported to the earliest battles of the war in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Particularly fascinating is the use of rarely-seen footage and testimonies from civilians, who describe their experiences living through the terror of bombing raids and the deprivation of life under occupation.

The series also covers the Holocaust and the atrocities committed by the Nazis. It delves into the reasons why ordinary people would take part in such evil and how historically high unemployment rates and economic crises led to the rise of fascism.

Apocalypse: The Second World War highlights the vital role played by the American military during the war, including the D-Day invasion, which ultimately ended the war on the Western front. Footage of the war in the Pacific Ocean and the eventual bombing of Hiroshima sheds light on the human cost of war, both for soldiers and civilians.

Throughout the series, there is a focus on the role played by everyday people who weren't soldiers or politicians but still had a stake in the war. Women, for instance, became an integral part of the workforce as men were drafted to serve in the military forces. Without their labor, the economies and essential industries that kept the allied forces in the war would have crumbled.

The series' most notable aspect is its avoidance of the typical war documentary tropes. Instead of focusing solely on the Allies' victories and retell familiar war heroes' narratives, the documentary presents the war as it was: brutal, bloody, and devastating for those on all sides, as well as civilians.

Rudolf Hess, an iconic Nazi figure, is featured in the final episode's closing moments, expressing regret over his role in the Holocaust. He confesses to having taken part in the war to get rich, and ultimately realizes that he made a grave decision that he can never undo. It is one of the few moments in the series that presents viewers with a glimmer of hope that eventual reconciliation is possible.

Overall Apocalypse: The Second World War is a must-watch documentary series for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking to gain a profound understanding of humanity's darkest moments. It serves as a crucial reminder that the atrocities of the past can and must never be repeated.

Apocalypse: The Second World War is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between January 6, 2011 and on Channel 4