Watch Generation War

Generation War is a powerful German historical war drama that portrays WWII through the experiences of a group of five close friends who come-of-age as the war progresses. Directed by Philipp Kadelbach, this epic series was first broadcasted on German television in 2013, before being released internationally by Music Box Films in 2014.

Set in Nazi Germany, the series follows five young individuals who are friends since childhood, but their lives and beliefs are about to change drastically as the war progresses. The central characters include Wilhelm Winter (Volker Bruch), an officer in the German Army who fights on the Eastern front, his younger brother Friedhelm (Tom Schilling), a soldier who is torn between his duty to the Fatherland and his conscience. Greta (Katharina Schüttler), a nurse who serves on the eastern front, and Charlotte (Miriam Stein), a famous singer who performs for the troops to boost morale. Lastly, Viktor (Ludwig Trepte), a Jew whose family is seeking a way out of Germany.

The narrative of the series is divided into four main parts, each of them named after a year of the war. The series begins in 1941, when Germany is at its height of power, and the five protagonists are full of hope and dreams about the future. The first episode depicts the characters' enthusiasm for the war and their full commitment to the Nazi cause. However, as the story progresses, they face various challenges, including betrayal, disillusionment, and loss, which challenge their loyalty to the Nazi ideology.

One of the strongest elements of the series is its skillful portrayal of the intimate relationships between the characters. Each character's perspective is unique, and their personalities are distinct, which allows viewers to connect with them on a deeper level, and feel their struggles and pain. For instance, the relationship between Wilhelm and Friedhelm is shown to have a strong emotional bond, although they have different ideas about what the war means. Similarly, the complex romantic relationships between the characters reveal their true feelings and dilemmas.

The series' attention to detail is remarkable, and the production team has put tremendous effort into creating a historical context that feels authentic. The battle sequences are epic and intense, showcasing the true horrors of war. The cinematography is also breathtaking, capturing the stark contrast between the beauty of the German countryside and the destruction wrought by the war.

Another essential theme of the series is the betrayal and disillusionment that each of the characters faces. The series portrays how the Nazi regime misled and betrayed its citizens, and how the war affected not only those fighting in it but also those at home. For instance, Greta, the nurse serving on the eastern front, when she realized that the war was unwinnable, wanted to leave, but at the same time, she found that her efforts and sacrifices had not achieved anything.

Throughout the series, the characters change in significant ways resulting in certain transformations that leave viewers with a feeling of shock and disbelief. Each character's journey is unique, but altogether, they illustrate the trials and tribulations experienced by an entire nation during one of the most significant conflicts in the world's history. It is this extraordinary depiction of the complexity of war and human emotions that makes the series very compelling to watch.

In conclusion, Generation War is an engaging and gripping historical drama that illustrates the delicate balance between hope and despair, love and betrayal, and morality and survival. This series is highly recommended to those who are interested in history and loves well-crafted character-driven stories. The performances of the actors are commendable, and the compelling plot makes the series a must-watch. The show leaves a profound impact on viewers, compelling them to reflect on humanity's darker side, the cost of war, and the choices we make in times of crisis.

Generation War is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between May 6, 2014 and on Music Box Films